The judges explained why Quinn's talk stood out:

Quinn’s winning presentation was a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of how the history of the East Anglian fens illuminates wider global themes. Focusing on the history of the thwarted Hovertrain project between 1967 and 1974 and the seventeenth-century projects on fen drainage, it told a powerful story about past endeavours that have had profound impacts on his local landscape and led to the wider environmental tragedy that is unfolding around us. Quinn painted an evocative picture, illustrated his talk with evidence and kept the attention of the whole audience.