Graduate Research Conference

Time

Session

9.45am – 10.00am

Welcome to day 1: Beyond disciplinary frontiers

Gain insight into the opportunities and challenges of working across disciplinary boundaries, and discover strategies for building effective, collaborative research teams that address complex, contemporary/worldly issues.

10.00am – 11.30am

Registration opening soon

Collaborating across boundaries: strategies for effective research teams

Are you working in a research team that brings together different disciplines, perspectives, or expertise? Do you sometimes wonder how to contribute effectively, communicate clearly, and get the most out of collaborative projects? This workshop will help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of interdisciplinary teamwork.

Presented by Hugh Kearns from iThinkWell.

11.30am – 11.45am

Break

11.45am – 1.00pm

Registration opening soon

Working across boundaries – interdisciplinary research in action

This panel session explores why interdisciplinary research is essential for tackling today’s complex challenges and how researchers can successfully navigate its unique demands. Panelists will share insights from their own projects, revealing how different disciplines come together in unexpected and powerful ways..

1.30pm - 3.00pm

Registration opening soon

What I wish I knew before starting my research masters

This student-led panel is designed to support those preparing to transition into the Master of Research. Featuring current MRes students, the session will offer honest reflections and practical tips on moving from structured coursework to independent research. Panelists will share their experiences of building early research skills, finding their feet in new academic environments, and connecting with supervisors, peers, and broader research networks.

Time

Session

9.45am – 10.00am

Welcome to day 2: Global research connections

Expand your international research presence by learning how to build global partnerships and publish in high-impact global journals.

10.00am – 11.30am

Registration opening soon

Collaborating across borders: building successful international research partnerships

This workshop offers strategies for building and sustaining successful international research collaborations. Participants will explore how to find the right partners, navigate cultural differences, and communicate effectively across borders. With a focus on trust, mutual benefit, and real-world examples, the session will highlight what makes international partnerships thrive - and how they can open doors to new ideas, funding, and global research opportunities.

11.30am – 11.45am

Break

11.45am – 1.00pm

Registration opening soon

Publishing  on a global stage: navigating international journals 

This session supports graduate researchers in navigating the global research landscape by providing guidance on publishing at an international level. Participants will learn how to identify reputable journals, align with international publishing standards, and avoid common pitfalls such as predatory outlets.

1.30pm - 3.00pm

Registration opening soon

What I wish I knew before starting my PhD

This panel session offers practical insights and advice for Master of Research students considering or preparing for doctoral study. Featuring current PhD students, the discussion will explore how to make the transition with confidence, build on existing skills, and lay the groundwork for a research career with global impact. Panelists will share their experiences of choosing the right path, finding supportive supervisors, and developing a strong research profile early on - highlighting what they’ve learned, what they wish they’d known, and what makes a PhD both challenging and rewarding.

Time

Session

9.45am – 10.00am

Welcome to day 3: Engaging wider audiences

Strengthen your ability to communicate the value of your research by developing skills in media engagement, public outreach, and building productive partnerships beyond academia.

10.00am – 11.30am

Registration opening soon

Making research mainstream: media communication & public engagement skills

This workshop equips graduate researchers with the skills to communicate their research clearly, confidently, and effectively beyond academic settings. Participants will learn how to tailor their message for different audiences, work with media channels, and engage the public through blogs, talks, podcasts, and social media.

11.30am – 11.45am

Break

11.45am – 1.00pm

Registration opening soon

Building bridges: partnering with industry in research

This workshop introduces graduate researchers to the fundamentals of engaging with industry, offering practical guidance on how to identify, approach, and collaborate with partners beyond academia. Through a panel discussion featuring voices from research and industry, the session will explore different models of partnership - such as placements, co-funded projects, and consultancy - and provide strategies for framing research in ways that resonate with non-academic audiences. Researchers will leave with a clearer understanding of how to build connections that enhance both the relevance and impact of their work.

Break

1.30pm - 3.00pm

Registration opening soon

What I wish I knew before finishing my PhD

This panel session supports PhD students nearing completion as they prepare to transition into the next phase of their research careers, whether in academia, industry, or other global sectors. Recent graduates and early career researchers will share practical strategies for navigating this critical period, including how to identify and pursue opportunities, plan publications strategically, and build networks that extend beyond the doctoral journey. Drawing on their own experiences, panelists will offer valuable advice on shaping a research profile with international reach and continuing professional growth after submission.

Time

Session

Registration opening soon

9.00am – 9.30am

Registration and arrival coffee

Poster presentations and photo competition

9.30am – 9:45am

Welcome to Day 4: Extending the reach of your research

11.30am –1.00pm

Lightning  presentations

Imagine how your research might be used or applied beyond your current research environment. What form could that take?

Presenters:

Group 1: TBA

Group 2: TBA

Group 3: TBA

Group 4: TBA

1.00pm – 2.00pm

Lunch / Networking Session

PLUS poster presentations and photo competition

Lightning  presentations

Why does your research matter and to whom? How do you (or how could you) share it beyond your field?

Presenters:

Group 1: TBA

Group 2: TBA

Group 3: TBA

Group 4: TBA