This extremely popular, multi-disciplinary and celebratory event provided approximately 300 attendees with an excellent opportunity to network with one another whilst learning more about the extensive range of research conducted across the University by Doctoral Researchers and Post-Docs (ie Research Associates, Research Fellows, and Senior Fellows).

Aligned with the University's strategy, the theme of the conference was 'Creating better research. Together' to emphasise that we can achieve greater influence and impact when we work in partnership.

In addition to thought-provoking keynote presentations delivered by Professor Dan Parsons, Professor Steve Christie, and Professor Charlotte Croffie, a large part of the conference was dedicated to the voice of researchers at all levels and in all disciplines. In this regard, the programme featured three parallel sessions including talks from the Open Research Collective and Doctoral Prize Fellows. There were also ten interactive exhibition stands that highlighted numerous services that specialise in researcher support at the University.

Event Organiser, Dr Katryna Kalawsky (Programme Director Researcher Development Pathways) said “There was a buzz of activity on the day and feedback from attendees has been exceptionally positive with 94% of respondents to the post-event survey agreeing that the conference provided an inclusive environment to listen, engage and learn.” Moreover, several attendees have already benefitted from sharing their research and networking with others:

“I have followed up on a connection that had been made after speaking to another attendee about making the focus of my PhD research into a viable business proposition in the future between the university and external organisations.”

“I have connected with other researchers in different fields but exploring similar topics and have already followed up to look into further opportunities to work together as a result.”

Finally, the conference had a series of prizes, and the winners are as follows:

Poster Competition

• Highly Commended - Tom Stevenson 'Affecting an audience’s emotions with sound frequencies' (Design and Creative Arts)‌
• Runner-up - Henrietta Graham 'For the long haul, start small' (Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences)
• Best Poster - Yishi E 'How Chinese contemporary animations can be understood, appreciated, and valued by audiences without eastern culture context' (Design and Creative Arts)
• Delegates’ Choice - Rhianna Garrett 'The future of academia: An examination of the underrepresentation of BAME staff in UK higher education' (Social Science and Humanities)

Researcher Talk Competition

• Sport, health and wellbeing:
  • Highly Commended - Henrietta Graham 'For the long haul, start small’ (Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences)
  • Best Talk - Jonah Drake ‘Demystifying function threshold power’ (Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences)
• Climate change and net zero:
  • Highly Commended - George Foden ‘Sustainable and resilient housing in post-disaster contexts’ (Social Science and Humanities)
  • Best Talk - Dr Nicola York 'Perpetual Plastic for Food to Go (PPFTG) project: A multidisciplinary collaboration approach’ (Design and Creative Arts)
• Vibrant and inclusive communities:
  • Highly Commended - Megan Foulkes 'Using manipulatives in early years mathematics: The value of finding out what teachers think’ (Science)
  • Best Talk - Alison Roulson ‘Educators' awareness of developmental dyscalculia’( Science)
• Miscellaneous:
  • Highly Commended - Alice Bishop 'Driverless vehicles and motorcyclists: How will they interact?’ (Design and Creative Arts)
  • Best Talk - Fay Claybrook 'Diabetes and digital fabrication’ (Design and Creative Arts)