Fatima el Bouhali wins Present Your Thesis in 4 Minutes in Vic

Fatima El Bouhali has won the final of the Present Your Thesis in 4 Minutes contest with a monologue about children with ADHD and autism. The PhD student from URV took the first prize and the special mention for the best thesis in Catalan at the inter-university final held in Vic.

With only four minutes to convince a general audience, El Bouhali focused on the environment surrounding these children, showing a humane and close perspective that goes beyond the diagnosis.

The award that highlights the humanity behind research

What did Fatima El Bouhali explain in her presentation?

The PhD student's monologue, titled "Beyond the label: when the problem is not being different, but not being understood," unpacks her thesis on how children with ADHD and autism live. Her research analyzes the impact of the family, educational, and social environment, as well as the difficulties and development of these children.

She also highlights the emotional state of the parents, especially the mothers, and how their well-being is linked to that of the children. Thus, she advocates observing the child as part of a whole, not in isolation.

Why does this perspective matter to the people of Tarragona?

In a society where the diagnosis often masks the person, El Bouhali’s work invites a better understanding of the real challenges faced by families with children with special needs. For the residents of Tarragona, this research gives a voice to those often left out of social and educational discourse.

It also makes visible the emotional burden carried by mothers, an often forgotten aspect, which could help rethink family support policies in the region.

The Present Your Thesis in 4 Minutes contest in Vic

How is this contest organized and what level do the participants have?

The contest, organized by the Department of Research and Universities, together with the Inter-university Council of Catalonia and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation, brings together the best scientific monologists from the 12 Catalan universities.

The participants have only four minutes to explain their thesis clearly and appealingly to a general audience. Fatima El Bouhali reached the final after winning the contest "Do you want to know what I research?" organized by URV.

What other prizes and finalists have there been?

The second prize went to Albert Salas from Ramon Llull University, the third to Toni Capó from the University of Barcelona, and the audience award to Roger Casals from the University of Vic.

These awards showcase the talent and communicative ability of young Catalan researchers, who combine scientific rigor with the skill to reach everyone.

The importance of communicating science with empathy

Why is it key to convey research in a relatable language?

Communicating a thesis in only four minutes forces distilling knowledge and making it accessible without losing depth. Fatima El Bouhali has managed to bring complex topics like ADHD and autism to a broad audience and generate empathy.

This ability not only disseminates research but can change social perceptions and attitudes about diversity and diagnosis.

How can this type of initiative influence the local society?

In Tarragona and the rest of the province, these kinds of initiatives can foster a more honest and close debate about functional diversity and the need for family support. They also encourage valuing science as a tool for transforming reality.

It is advisable to strengthen outreach that connects research with everyday life and the reality of the territory.

Fatima El Bouhali has focused exactly where it was needed: on the person, not just the thesis. And that, in the region, is no small thing.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University