The popular, multi-disciplinary, and celebratory event provided approximately 300 attendees with an excellent opportunity to network with one another and learn more about the extensive range of research conducted across the University.  

Aligned with the University's bold and ambitious strategy, the theme of the conference was 'Transforming our tomorrow. Together’ to emphasise how high-quality research and innovation, conducted in partnership, can deliver meaningful impact to enhance our futures.  

To set the scene, the conference opened with an exciting talk from Professor Dan Parsons (Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research and Innovation) on the University’s new Research and Innovation Core Plan and how it applies to researchers at all levels. 

The inspirational Dr Shini Somara delivered a fascinating and candid keynote presentation on her career journey to date and the importance of making research accessible for all audiences and ages.

A large part of the conference was dedicated to the voice of researchers in all disciplines and across all levels of experience. In this regard, the programme featured an extensive and vibrant array of oral and poster presentations by those on research-only contracts (such as Research Associates, Senior Research Associates and Research Fellows) and Doctoral Researchers. In addition, the programme included five interactive researcher development workshops and a panel discussion on how to thrive in a research career. There were also 13 interactive exhibition stands that highlighted numerous services that specialise in researcher support at the University. 

Feedback from attendees to the post-event survey was exceptionally positive with: 

• 96% of respondents agreeing that the conference provided an inclusive environment to listen, engage and learn. 
• 94% of respondents agreeing that the conference gave the opportunity to share research and network with others. 
• 93% agreeing that they would recommend the conference to a peer/colleague. 

Further highlighting the success of the conference, several attendees commented: 

“I really liked how I could tailor the day based on my own interests. I also liked how the main research talks aligned with the strategic pillars of the University. It was nice to see how our research slots into the greater University priorities.” 

“I think hearing about all the research and being able to engage was the best thing. There is clearly so many different pockets of research happening across the campus, which if you are not within the Department, then you wouldn't necessarily know about.” 

“This was my first research conference and it really exceeded my expectations. I really appreciated the space for all of us researchers to come together in one space and I really felt part of the wider community. I can't wait for the next one.” 

“The best thing about the conference was the lay-audience aspect and attempts to challenge researchers to make their projects understandable. This is the best thing because it fosters cross-School and interdisciplinary research into the future, rather than always aiming events for a technical and subject specific audience.” 

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

Poster Competition 

• Delegates Choice - Muhammad Hassan ‘5G/6G Radio propagation over and close to the water during severe weather’ (Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering)  
• Highly Commended - Maddison Onions ‘Saudi Arabia: An emerging democracy?’ (Social Sciences and Humanities) 
• Runner-up - Rafia Arshad ‘Cousin marriages among the Pakistani community in the UK’ (Social Sciences and Humanities)  
• Best Talk - Keyi Zhong ‘Building a sustainable knowledge management system from sparse data in industrial maintenance’ (Business)  

Researcher Talk Competition 

Sport, health and wellbeing: 

• Delegates Choice - Taoran Ji ‘Encouraging healthy eating in young adults: Emphasising the immediate benefits instead of those expected in the future’ (Design and Creative Arts)  
• Highly Commended - Huyen Le ‘From deadly surfaces to sustainable solutions: The power of watching paint dry!’ (Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering)  
• Best Talk- Zuleikha Chikh ‘Examining the experiences of racialised minority women undertaking sports leadership programmes in the UK and Europe’ (Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences)  

Climate change and net zero: 

• Delegates Choice - Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff ‘A methodology for sustainable management of household food waste’ (Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering)  
• Highly Commended - Alex Haydock-Wilson ‘Solar surfaces: Minimising PV losses’ (Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering)  
• Best Talk- Ashley van Bruygom 'Hydrogen for the future of aviation' (Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering)  

Vibrant and inclusive communities: 

• Delegates Choice and Best Talk- Rhianna Garrett ‘Space, race, and place: How we transform the future of academic identities’ (Social Sciences and Humanities)  
• Highly Commended - Ellie Buxton ‘Exploring men’s perspectives on making misogyny a hate crime’ (Social Sciences and Humanities)

Fundamental research: 

• Delegates Choice - George Thoma ‘Reinventing the wheel with Laser-cats: Collectible Content, a modular ecosystem of intrinsically integrated gameplay’ (Science)
• Highly Commended - Ridzuan A-Rasid ‘Goldfish VS Generation Z’ (Design and Creative Arts) 
• Best Talk - Deepanshi Birthal ‘Risk resilience and insuring your tomorrow: Insights in property insurance’ (Business) 

To find out more about the event, including who presented, please visit the dedicated conference website.