BU Postgraduate students share work at annual conference

Postgraduate students from across BU had the chance to share their work and research with others from across the university at the 6th Annual Postgraduate Conference.

Postgraduate work was shared through a series of talks – based around the BU’s eight research themes – and poster and photograph presentations.

The conference ran over two days, and, for the first time, featured presentations by postgraduate taught students as well as those working on postgraduate research.

Opening the conference, BU’s vice-chancellor Professor John Vinney, said: “It is the 6th Postgraduate Conference but, in my mind, it is the first one that brings together all this talent from across the organisation.

“It is a combination of all our excellent parts of education taking place at the university.”

Work featured in the conference covered everything from analysis of gunshot residue to childbirth in Nepal and changes in visual memory across the lifetime.

Prizes were given to the postgraduate students who had the best posters and photography and gave the best oral presentations.

Mike Rowley prize

Mike Rowley receiving his prize from Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor John Fletcher

Mike Rowley won the award for the best talk, which was about his work looking at planting particular trees in Haiti and Mexico to increase food security and potentially decrease carbon dioxide levels.

 “It was really unexpected,” said Mike, who is completing a Master’s degree in Applied Science by Research. 

“I’m shocked but it’s brilliant, and it was really great to have had the opportunity to present my work.

“Being able to practice presenting is a huge thing so this was a good opportunity to hone your skills and have feedback from your peers and colleagues.”

Fiona Knight, Academic Manager for The Graduate School, said: “The conference aims to bring all of our postgraduate students together, and helps to break down school boundaries.

“It gives them a chance to present their work in a friendly environment and get feedback from their peers.”

Keynote speeches at the conference were given by Kevin Warwick, Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading, and Professor Tiantian Zhang, Head of the Graduate School at BU, who spoke about her research journey looking at cryopreservation.

Professor Zhang’s advice to the current postgraduate students included making the most of networking and international opportunities, and remembering that research should be stimulating and fun.

“I think to choose the right research question is an important one,” she said.

“Networking and international collaboration is also important. It creates a lot of opportunity in terms of work and output but also grant applications.

“I do think it’s important to believe in what you do and never give up.”

Find out more about The Graduate School at Bournemouth University