As a Law (Honours) student, ICUR felt like the perfect opportunity to meet students from other faculties and dip my toe into research but it has been so much more. Hearing the level of research from my fellow presenters and the curiosity everyone had for not only their own areas of research but each other’s was truly inspiring. I think it would have been hard for anyone to have left that weekend of bright, enthusiastic researchers and not found a new respect and passion for research. My first ICUR set me on a fantastic research journey of publications, presentations, internships and an Honours Thesis and it’s always great to go back and meet other ICUR presenters as they begin their own research journeys too.

As a Physics Undergraduate, I presented at ICUR three times, showcasing my research in the field of exoplanetary science. My final project assessed the plausibility of panspermia, the idea that life can jump from planet to planet aboard asteroids. I was fortunate enough to take part in the Posters in Parliament competition that year as a result of my submission to ICUR and was delighted to come away with a win for Warwick! I thoroughly enjoyed every conference I attended, mainly because they provided both a professional and friendly environment in which to present findings as a young researcher. I’m a strong advocate for undergraduate research and ICUR has a fantastic way of highlighting just how valuable it can be. I would encourage undergraduates who have carried out any form of research (big or small!) to give presenting a try. At the very least, you get to meet people from so many different backgrounds and see if a career in research is for you.

I’m currently in my final year of my Bachelor of Science majoring in Microbiology and Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education. ICUR was a fantastic opportunity to present my work in a field of science I was passionate in. It allowed me to refine my skills in science communication, given that it was an interdisciplinary audience with varying levels of prior knowledge of microbiology and science in general, and convey complex key points without relying on jargon. Furthermore, attending presentations from disciplines outside of my own gave me a wider perspective and appreciation for all forms of undergraduate research.