Hannah Frith, senior lecturer in psychology, is organising the first student research conference to showcase the research of our undergraduate students in the social sciences.
The conference will be a one-day event for final year undergraduate students to present and share their dissertations.
Hannah said: "The aim of the conference is to enhance the student experience and celebrate the end of the course for final year students. It will also provide an induction to second year students into the dissertation process, and provide important opportunities for staff and students to build stronger relationships by working closely together."
The conference will contribute to developing research culture and the integration of teaching and research, and aims to meet the needs of a number of priority areas for the school resulting from student feedback attained through the National Student Survey (NSS).
Hannah added: "Research skills are one of the core components which cuts across all the disciplines within the school. The conference will provide a strong vehicle for communicating a shared identity as social scientists and will enhance cohesion by being a school-wide event."
"The conference planning and organisation will be undertaken by a staff and student organising committee. Working in partnership will ensure that the conference meets the needs of the students and will encourage student engagement. Students on the committee will also have the opportunity to work alongside experienced members of staff and to develop key transferable skills. Moreover, the conference will encourage cross-year learning as second year students will have the opportunity to find out more about how to conduct a piece of research and how to produce a dissertation."
"The conference also forms part of the school's strategy to address NSS feedback which suggests that students would like more input on personal development – especially opportunities to develop their confidence and communication skills. By providing final year students with the opportunity to develop their presentation skills by producing either an oral or poster presentation, and by providing support for students to develop and practice these skills prior to the conference, the conference will enhance the development of key transferable skills and enhance employability."
The first student research conference will take place on Wednesday 8 May 2013.
