UWIC’s PhDs Showcase New Research

PhD students representing the five academic schools at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) held their first poster conference this year, in the Main Hall on Llandaff Campus.

 

The event was organised by UWIC’s Research Students Committee in order to bring together students from different disciplines, as part of the plan to enhance the research culture within the university.

 

33 researchers from the schools of Health Sciences, Art & Design, Sport, Management and PDR presented posters at the event, competing against one another for the coveted “best poster” prizes totalling £1200.

The conference started with a networking event so that students and staff from different campuses could get to meet each other, before the serious business of the conference began. The presentations were given in two sessions.   

 

The judging panel appointed by the Research Students Committee comprised  three recent PhD completers: Dr Mariana Dotcheva from PDR, Dr Ria Dunkley from School of Management and Dr Neenu Singh from the Cardiff School of Health Sciences, and 2 members of Research Degrees Committee, Professor Daniel O’Leary, Dean of Graduate Studies and Dr Gwilym Davies, Director of Research, Cardiff School of Sport.

 

Due to the exceptionally high standard of the presentations, the judges had the difficult task in deciding on the overall three winners. In the end, four prizes were awarded, with a joint third place.

 

Commenting on the event, Professor O’Leary said: “This was a great initiative by the Research Students Committee, and we thank the Committee and all students who made presentations. The very high standard of the research from all schools was very impressive, and virtually all presentations were nominated by one or other of the judges for an award. Staff and postgraduates alike seemed to greatly enjoy the opportunity to network and talk research, and we hope this event will become a highlight of the annual research calendar at UWIC."

 

Prize winners include: (click on name to view presentation)

“I personally felt that the research student poster day was an overall success, and was a true reflection of the preparatory efforts put forward by the Research Students Committee. The day not only offered me the chance to broaden my understanding of the other research programmes currently being undertaken within UWIC, but also allowed me to establish important links with other research students.” said first prize winner, Ross Wadey. 

 

“Obviously, I am delighted to have won, especially considering the high standard of all the other posters, as it allowed me to come to the realisation that the hours spent behind my desk have indeed been worthwhile! The financial reward I received will help me attend an international sport psychology conference next year where I hope to present the research that I am currently undertaking.”

 

Cathryn Withycombe from the School of Health Sciences won the Student Award for the most favourite student poster on show.