Speaking Of Science 2009

Committee Report

The Speaking of Science event, organised by a postgraduate student committee, proved to be a fantastic opportunity for postgraduate researchers from Cardiff University and neighbouring academic institutes to come together to share their research in a relaxed environment. In such an environment it was possible for researchers to network and learn more about research areas other than their own. The day itself commenced with a speech from Richard Rossington from the Welsh Assembly Government, highlighting the importance of scientific research in today’s society, and the importance of engaging the public with science specifically in Wales.

The keynote address by Professor Chris Stringer on “Human Evolution after Darwin” left the audience captivated. Indeed Prof. Stringer’s tips for presenting were particularly useful for those students planning to present their research in the day. The committee’s choice in requesting Prof. Stringer as the keynote speaker was influenced by Charles Darwin’s 200th anniversary this year, and was very well received.

 

Student presentations commenced after this, with a great variety of research areas represented to a high standard. Talks were judged by two judges per room, and the audience of researchers had the opportunity to vote for the presentation that they felt was most interesting in the “People’s Prize”. Poster presentations were also judged throughout the day, where the researchers were requested to briefly explain their research and asked questions by the judges

Prizes were awarded, after much deliberation during the cheese and wine social, for the best presentation per room, for the best posters, and the “People’s Prize”. The cheese and wine social was another opportunity for the researchers and judges to network in the Graduate Centre and relax after a packed and eventful day.

Prize Winners

Best Talks - Room A
1st Prize: Mark Aldred (School of Medicine) "Defects in Cell Polarity Underlie Cyst Development in Several Genetic Diseases"
2nd Prize: Richard Madgwick (School of History & Archaeology) "Reconstructing Diet in Prehistoric Faunal Populations through Isotopic Analysis"

Best Talks - Room B
1st Prize: Charles Cox (Welsh School of Pharmacy) "Bacterial Ion Channels: The Potential for Action"
2nd Prize: Maria Stacey (School of Medicine) "Investigating the role of Interleukin-10 during cytomegalovirus infection"

Best Posters
1st Prize: Gwen Adey (School of Dentistry) "If You're Happy and You Know it Raise Your Glass"
2nd Prize: Karen Brakspear (School of Biosciences) "Lost in Space - Can we use Glutamate to Rescue Mechanically Compromised Bone?"

This year there was also a "People's Prize" which allowed delegates to vote for their favourite talk of the day. This prize was also awarded to Charles Cox of the Welsh School of Pharmacy.

Further information

You may also be interested in the University's news report of the event.

For further information regarding Speaking of Science 2009, please click here.

To see other past events, please click here.