Over 70 students took part in Ö÷²¥ÓÕ»ó’s fourth annual undergraduate research conference: Showcasing Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE).
The conference is an excellent opportunity for undergraduates and recent graduates to share their work and develop their presentation skills to other students, academics, staff and attendees from external organisations. As well as demonstrating academic successes, it gives students the opportunity to take part in a professional conference and network with individuals who could help to develop their research on a greater scale.
A range of prizes were awarded - full details are below - with the top prize of a Ö÷²¥ÓÕ»ó Master's fee waiver awarded to final year BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy student, Eleanor Daniel, for 'Best Overall Contribution'.Â
Talking about her experience of the whole day, Eleanor shared:Â
“I’m still completely in shock, I didn’t expect to hear my name announced. Presenting at the conference was a good experience for developing my presentation skills and it was nice to receive positive feedback about my own research. It was also exciting to have the opportunity to engage with research undertaken by other students across various Ö÷²¥ÓÕ»ó faculties – there was such a high standard of presentations and posters showcased throughout the day.â€
Dr Mary Beth Gouthro, co-chair of the conference said: “In its fourth year, SURE is a powerful university-wide platform where high quality undergraduate research is showcased. It’s also a chance for students and staff to collaborate and incubate on future research ideas that feed into Ö÷²¥ÓÕ»ó2025. The potential reach of their work also builds their confidence and overall impact in their subject areasâ€
Dr Fiona Cownie, fellow co-chair of the conference also shared: “SURE gives students the opportunity to share their ideas with a broad academic audience. It connects education with research reflecting Ö÷²¥ÓÕ»ó’s Fusion agenda. The confidence students build in participating in SURE enhances their employability making SURE a great edition to students’ CV.â€
This year’s contributions highlighted the range of outstanding undergraduate research taking place across Ö÷²¥ÓÕ»ó and a number of prizes were awarded, including £20 amazon vouchers for best faculty presentations and posters and over 16 funded spots to participate at  - details below.
SUÖ÷²¥ÓÕ»ó prize winners
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences:Â Isobel Butler
- Faculty of Media & Communication: Balint Bruner, Celia Honan, Emma Upshall, Katie Dennis
- Faculty of Management:Â Olly Anibaba
- Faculty of Science & Technology: Bethan Bailey, Jessica Leverton
Best poster
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences:Â Laura Heveram
- Faculty of Media & Communication:Â Kari A Noriy
- Faculty of Science & Technology:Bethan Bailey
Best original research via oral presentation
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences:Â Natalie Burdett and team
- Faculty of Media & Communication:Â Frieda Gehardt
- Faculty of Management: Joseph Arundel, Emily Gadsden
- Faculty of Science & Technology:Â Rebecca Fowell
Best overall contribution
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences: Eleanor Daniel
A huge congrats to all who took part - we're!