The University of Worcester hosted the Postgraduate Research Conference: ‘Seeds of Knowledge’ on Thursday 29 June, at the Hive. The day attracted over 100 registrations; there were 20 oral presentations and 25 poster presentations throughout the day – represented by a range of Worcester and external postgraduate researchers. The whole conference was opened by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Greer, who spoke eloquently about the value of research, being a research student and her sage advice about being a researcher. The crowd nodded in agreement when Sarah expressed the need for academic generosity, and a day such as the conference is a perfect example of such. With a warm and encouraging tone set for the day it was a jam packed schedule with 5 oral sessions – ranging from – ‘body and mind’ to ‘history and literature’ to ‘physical and mental health.’ In the middle and sandwiched around lunch the poster presenters had time and space to showcase their research as delegates walked through the exhibition.
We have had some excellent feedback already, through emails, the feedback forms and twitter, ranging internal and external delegates, staff and presenters. With one delegate expressing “it was extremely professional throughout and there was a great buzz” and a presenter kindly stating “the structure was excellent with designated themes and I really thought the addition of the Q&A sessions at the end was excellent.” The quality of the day was a true reflection of the quality of the research. An addition this year being prizes! Firstly, for outstanding presentations in each session, the following people from a variety of institutions were celebrated: Lucy Piggott (University of Chichester), Benjamin Ong (University of St. Andrews), Anna Muggeridge (University of Worcester), Benjamin Parry (University of Birmingham), Francis Blore (University of Northampton) and Hilary Causer (University of Worcester).
The day closed with a panel on the ‘Post PhD Experience’ where a session was led by questions from the audience about – doing, completing, using and emotions – of postgraduate research. We had Dr. Rachael Bullingham, Dr. Scott Buckler and Dr. Danielle Stephens, Charlotte Taylor and Professor Maggie Andrews give varying perspectives from University of Worcester, academic staff, research development staff and general personal views. It rounded the whole day off wonderfully, as we were all able to leave with both practical and pastoral advice to take forward in our postgraduate research and careers.
Finally, the Postgraduate Research Conference would like to thank the following people as without their support and contributions the day would not have been such a success.
THANK YOU to:
- University of Worcester Research School;
- All presenters and delegates;
- A lot of staff and students at the University of Worcester who aided in ‘the little things’… such as, printing, spreading the word and generally supporting.
See you next year, The 2017 Postgraduate Research Conference Committee!
