Between Books and Beats: My life at Queen’s – 2

In her first episode, Liu Ningning introduced her life with dance at Queen’s. In the second half, she continues to share with us how she has done so far to build up confidence in academic growth. For more information on her research interest, please read the School of Law webpage.

Between Books and Beats: My life at Queen’s – 1

Finding My Voice: From Queen’s Competition to Cambridge Conversations

As a first-year PhD student in Law at Queen’s, one of my goals has always been to go beyond my thesis — to challenge myself, engage with others, and grow as both a scholar and a communicator. This spring, I took two major steps toward that goal: I participated in the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition hosted by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS), and I attended my first academic conference in the UK — the Cambridge International Law Journal’s Annual Conference.

“Three Minutes, One Slide”

The 3MT Competition took place on 20 March 2025 and brought together PhD researchers from across AHSS Schools to do something both daunting and exciting: present their entire PhD research in just three minutes, using only one static slide, to a non-specialist audience.

It was my first academic competition at Queen’s, my first presentation to a public audience beyond my supervisors and peers, my first time competing in English — and, frankly, my first time doing anything like this. To make things even more challenging, I wasn’t feeling my best physically that day. But I reminded myself: this wasn’t just about competing — it was about learning. It was a valuable opportunity for practice, feedback, and growth — especially ahead of my differentiation review and future conference presentations. I wanted to hear comments from people outside my discipline. I wanted to get my research out there, early.

And I did.

Liu Ningning, runner-up award winner, in the group photo of the AHSS 3MT Competition. (Photo source: QUB School of Law)

To my surprise, I was awarded Runner-Up. I was the only Chinese and East Asian student, the only first-year PhD among the winners, and I received incredibly warm, encouraging feedback from both judges and audience members. But what meant the most was realising that my voice could be heard — and appreciated — even in a room full of native speakers.

More importantly, I grew from the experience. The challenge of condensing a complex PhD project into a strict three-minute format forced me to reflect on what really matters in my research — what’s essential, what’s meaningful, and how to connect with people unfamiliar with my field. The process sharpened not only my ideas but also my sense of purpose.

As a non-native English speaker, I know how intimidating it can be to speak publicly. Many Chinese students worry about accents, grammar, or not “sounding perfect.” But I’ve learned that presentation is not just about flawless English — it’s about clarity, confidence, and connection. Everyone has an accent. What matters is whether your audience understands your message and feels your intention.

The competition also gave me the chance to listen and learn from others. I was inspired by the diversity of topics, styles, and approaches. From research focus to methodology to presentation techniques, I came away with insights that will help shape my academic journey.

I would encourage my peers to take part in competitions, workshops, conferences, and other events. Step up, speak out — not necessary to win, but to grow.

From Queen’s to Cambridge

Building on that momentum, I travelled to Cambridge in late April to attend the 14th Annual Conference of the Cambridge International Law Journal, themed Navigating a Multipolar World: Challenges to the Post-WWII Status Quo of International Law. This was my first academic conference in the UK — and I attended not to present (yet!), but to observe, learn, and take the temperature ahead of my upcoming presentation at the Warwick Law Colloquium in June.

My academic background — in German asylum law for my undergraduate thesis, and international organisation law for my master’s — has always drawn me to global legal issues.

The Cambridge conference gave me a front-row seat to current conversations on climate justice, international criminal law, cyber governance, and the future of human rights. Attending this conference — listening to panels, keynote speeches, and hallway conversations — reminded me why I chose to pursue a PhD. It also gave me ideas for positioning my own research within the broader context of global legal developments.

Both experiences have inspired me to grow — not only as a researcher, but also as a communicator and an engaged member of the academic community. I’ve learned that making an impact isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, being open to learning, and having the courage to share your thoughts. Often, that first step is all it takes to start something meaningful.

Happy Youth Day! 五四青年节快乐 (Wǔsì Qīngniánjié kuàilè)!

Happy Youth Day

青年节快乐!

4th May is the Youth Day in China, known as 五四青年节 (wǔsì qīngnián jié).

May (the) Fourth  n. (also 4 May, etc.) Chinese History (attributive) designating or relating to a demonstration held by students in Peking (Beijing) on 4 May 1919 to protest against the Chinese government’s failure to oppose the decision by the Versailles Peace Committee to allocate Germany’s former possessions in China to Japan; (also) designating the wider cultural and intellectual revolution in China for which this demonstration is generally regarded as having been a catalyst; esp. in May (the) Fourth Movement.

OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Today we invite you to join in this celebration with DENG Wei (邓维), a QUB graduate in Arts Management, who went back to China after graduation but now has returned to Belfast in pursuit her professional development in arts and cultural exchange through guzheng performance. She has performed guzheng widely on various occasions, both at Queen’s and beyond.

While she continues with her guzheng workshops at Queen’s she has now been invited to give performances at the City Hall, 2 Royal Ave, Belfast on Wednesdays from 11:00 to 18:30 pm.

Wei looks forward to welcoming anyone interested to go there for her scheduled performances, and more importantly, to have dialogues with her sharing their perspectives and practice of guzheng performance.

Wei is invited as a guest guzheng performer with WANG Xinxin for The Ballad of Mulan (《木兰辞》) at the Songs from Spring – Singing with Chinese Poetry concert on Saturday 6th May. Her next guzheng workshop at Queen’s will be on Tuesday 30th May, from 15:00 to 16:00, at the Auditorium, The McClay Library. It is a free session, but booking is required via the button below or scanning the QR code.

Well done, Wei, and May the 4th (force) be with you!

Happy Youth Day!

May the 4th be with you!

While many of you may be familiar with this pun-loaded greeting from the Star Wars, Chinese people, especially the youth, have their own special celebration on the day.

May (the) Fourth  n. (also 4 May, etc.) Chinese History (attributive) designating or relating to a demonstration held by students in Peking (Beijing) on 4 May 1919 to protest against the Chinese government’s failure to oppose the decision by the Versailles Peace Committee to allocate Germany’s former possessions in China to Japan; (also) designating the wider cultural and intellectual revolution in China for which this demonstration is generally regarded as having been a catalyst; esp. in May (the) Fourth Movement.

Oxford English Dictionary
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