The EIT RawMaterials Academy, together with RWTH Aachen University and TU Clausthal, will organise the third edition of the communication bootcamp Talk Nerdy To Me (TNTM) on 13 and 14 October 2020 in Goslar, Germany.
TNTM is for PhD students and researchers carrying out research in raw materials and its related disciplines. This year, we will open up registration to both EIT RawMaterials partner universities and non-partner universities across Europe.
Participants will learn how to effectively present their research to various target groups and have the chance to network with fellow students from all over the world.
Check out the photos and testimonials below to see what the TNTM experience was like in 2019!
We know that the current situation with COVID-19 makes events like this uncertain. However, we know that the nature of this event means the benefits for you (in terms of learning and networking) are increased when we can meet in person. That’s why we are staying positive and want to keep this event as a physical meeting if we can. Of course, we will monitor the situation regularly and keep you updated on any developments – and if it turns out to be impossible to hold it in its usual format, we will offer a virtual solution. For now, we hope you will save the date and can look forward to TNTM in the autumn!
TNTM will be a mix of plenary training modules and interactive break-out sessions in smaller, more focused groups. The training will be led by experts providing tips and feedback on body language, vocal cadence and how to capture and maintain the interest of your audience.
During the break-out sessions, there will be a strong emphasis on interaction with your peers in smaller groups. You will learn how to apply the communication tools and tips from the plenary modules to your own research, have the opportunity to practice using them and obtain feedback from facilitators and TNTM participants. One of the results will be updated presentations and pitches of your own research, customised to the different target groups addressed in TNTM.
As stated above, we will offer a virtual solution if the COVID-19 situation does not allow us to hold a physical event.
TNTM is for PhD students and researchers carrying out research in raw materials and its related disciplines and fields, such as (but not limited to) functional materials, materials sciences, mining engineering, the engineering sciences, geology, metallurgy and other related disciplines and fields. Registration is open to students enrolled in a European university – both EIT RawMaterials partner universities and non-partner universities.
Registrations are open until 24 May 2020, 23:59 CET. All registrations will be reviewed by the TNTM Organizers and a maximum of 40 can be selected. The Organizers will aim to balance the participants so that the entire value chain and geographical locations are represented.
Those who are selected will be informed by 29 May 2020 and they will have to confirm their participation by 5 June 2020, 23:59 CET. After that date, participants will receive next steps on transportation and logistics.
Accommodation will be provided by the EIT RawMaterials Academy for three nights – 12-14 October 2020. Your hotel room will be reserved by the Organizers and payment made directly by the EIT RawMaterials Academy to the hotel.
Your food costs – breakfast, lunch and dinner – will be covered by the EIT RawMaterials Academy starting from dinner on 12 October 2020 until (including) lunch on 14 October 2020.
Travel costs from your location (within Europe) to reach Goslar will also be covered by the EIT RawMaterials Academy.
I really liked the programme of the event and the opportunity to improve my presentation skills. I was very interested in presenting my work to many colleagues who do not work in my field of study and to receive constructive feedback. I expected to meet many new people and network-and I would say that TNTM is great for networking! I would like to point out the support and time we received for working on the packaging and presenting our research. All the experts and people who worked on this event were very encouraging and supportive. I also learned some very useful skills that gave me a different perspective for preparing my future presentations. If you are willing to improve your general presentation skills, meet many new people, have fun and outside of the box learning experiences, this is the right event for you. I personally enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend this event to any student.
I was enthusiastic to learn more about communication skills and interpersonal relations which I consider very useful. I liked the content of the sessions. The trainers explained how to interact with the public, and manage the pressure of being in front of an audience. They also provided us with useful tips about communication and presentation. I also liked the fact that TNTM was not only related to one specific field but different ones with different approaches. This allowed me to meet new people and gain their perspectives of the topics we worked on during the group activities. During the group work phases we learned to coordinate our opinions and to present a product in a short period of time by mutual agreement, a process that was not always easy. We had the chance to meet people from different fields, countries and perspectives. We had a lot of fun during the process and I assure you, you will too!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at academy@eitrawmaterials.eu.
Hope to see you in Goslar!
The Talk Nerdy To Me Organizers,
Lea (RWTH Aachen University), Ellie (EIT RawMaterials), and Sabine (TU Clausthal)