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A review of the Sêr Cymru Postgraduate Conference 2017: Conference draws together Sêr Cymru PhD Students to present their research.

The Life Sciences Research Network, on behalf of the 3 National Research Networks, EngineeringLife Sciences and Low Carbon and Environment, hosted the second Sêr Cymru Postgraduate Conference at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff on 11th September 2017.

The conference provided PhD students from the 3 Networks an opportunity to showcase their research across the breadth of EngineeringLife Sciences and Low Carbon and Environment. This was achieved via PhD poster and oral presentations and the inclusion of a peer-judged competition leading to shotgun presentations for the winners at the end of the day.

The conference included key presentations by external speakers from industry and academia, who spoke about their careers and development opportunities within different sectors.

Vaughan Gething AM delivered an inspirational closing speech, highlighting the value of the Sêr Cymru Programme and the contribution made by the NRN PhD students to the scientific research community in Wales.

The conference provided participants the opportunity to explore cross-theme opportunities as part of the wider NRN community and to build new collaborations for the future. The social aspect of the day was consolidated with a cheese and wine reception marking the end of the event.

The third PhD Conference will be hosted by the Low Carbon Energy & Environment NRN in North Wales in 2018.

Due to funding provided by Sêr Cymru programme through the Welsh Government and HEFCW, there was no fee for attending the conference.

Testimonials from PhD students:

“It was very good to have the chance to introduce my work to others. And also I can get some good information from other students”.

“Being able to communicate with students from other universities on similar projects”.

“Just nice to be with other scientists outside of my field”.

“Research updates from other students, chance to network”.

“Meeting again members of NRN was a pleasure and gave us the chance to update each other on a more personal level”

Vaughan Gething AM, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport, commented:

“It is the collaborative and inspirational approach that Sêr Cymru provides that will help drive forward the next generation of talented researchers”.