Dissertation Prizes
The Solent Forum dissertation prize consists of two awards, one for an undergraduate and one for a postgraduate dissertation. The aim of the Award is to facilitate links between the Forum and the Solent's academic institutions and to encourage scientific research on the Solent.
ELIGIBILITY
All students, no matter the institution, may enter for the Award as long as they meet other criteria. The geographical area covered by the dissertation must coincide, either totally or partially, with the Solent Forum study area (Hurst Spit to Selsey Bill and the North coast of the Isle of Wight). The dissertation must also be on a coastal topic or theme, preferably on one of the topics covered in the Forum's Strategic Guidance for the Solent. Potential dissertations must be proposed by a tutor before they will be considered.
TIMING
The next prize will be awarded in 2008. The time table is given below:
- April - Call for nominations for both undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations completed since the last prize was awarded.
- June - Reminder sent for end of June Deadline.
- July - Candidate dissertations are judged in the first week of July and the awards can be announced at graduation ceremonies where appropriate.
- September - Prizes awarded at the Autumn Solent Forum meeting
JUDGING
The judging panel will consist of nominated members of the Solent Forum. In case of dispute, the Forum Chairman will nominate an individual to make the final decision. To assist with judging, a copy of the dissertation is required and a single page summary that summarises its contents and the reasons for its nomination. Dissertations will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Relevance to the Solent
2. Thoroughness of research
3. Relevance to the Solent research agenda
4. Validity of conclusions
5. Presentation, consistency and clarity
The judges will nominate a winner in each category and may also 'highly commend' other high quality submissions.
PRIZE
The postgraduate winner will receive a cheque for £200 and the undergraduate £100.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2000 Undergraduate Winner
Charlotte Thompson, Southampton Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton
“The Effect of the Presence of Cockle Shells on the Erosion of a Cohesive Sediment Bed”
2000 Postgraduate Winner
Karen Pye, Unversity of Portsmouth
“The effects of eutrophication on the marine benthic flora of Langstone Harbour, South Coast of England”
2002 Undergraduate Winner:
Iwan Basten, Southampton Institute
“An Investigation into the impacts of a foreshore recharge on the Solent's oyster populations”
2002 Postgraduate Winner
Sarah Wiggins, Centre for Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton
“Sustainable Management of the Medina Estuary”
2005 Undergraduate Winner
Michelle Hodge, Southampton Solent University
“An Evaluation of the Practical Opportunities for Managed Retreat / Realignment to achieve compensatory Saltmarsh Habitats in the Solent”
2005 Postgraduate Winner
Nichola Horter, Bournemouth University
“A Review of Navigational Dredging in Southampton Water; Approaches towards a Sustainable Future”
