Students demonstrated their academic achievements and their research projects

Student achievements celebrated in Undergraduate Conference

More than 200 students have attended the Undergraduate Student Conference which offered the opportunity to present unique research interests.

Undergraduate students used the opportunity on Saturday February 2nd to showcase their talent, their academic achievements, and their research projects through a series of posters and debates.

The topics of these debates included, ‘Artificial intelligence (AI) in Medical Imaging – friend or foe?’ and ‘Is the use of stem cells and chimeras the way forward in research?’

Students also had the opportunity to listen to Plenary Speaker Andrew Hatersley, Professor of Molecular Medicine and Consultant Physician, give a lecture on his research to improve clinical care in diabetes.

The annual conference is designed to encourage collaboration and professional networking amongst the undergraduates from the various programmes offered at the University of Exeter Medical School.

Ferdinand Boucher, a third-year Medical Sciences student and Lead Registration Supervisor, said: "The conference this year was a fantastic event for students across the Medical School and from local schools to share a passion for science and research.

“One area we thought was particularly important was communicating science. With clear explanations, science can become accessible to anyone. We, as scientists, hope we can continue to share our work with as many people as possible. Science background, or not.”

Professor Clive Ballard, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean, said: “It is wonderful to see our students demonstrate their learning and their ambition in organising such a unique event. Experiences like these stand out in an academic career, and it’s great that we can facilitate them here at Exeter. Thank you to everyone involved, especially those students who made it possible.”

Dr Vrinda Nayak, who organised the event, said: “This is a unique opportunity provided to all undergraduate students at the Medical School to organise and to participate in a conference. Not many students get an opportunity to attend a research conference in their undergraduate years.

“Providing this opportunity encourages students to learn beyond their curriculum but also to take pride in achievements of the Medical School, adding to adds to students’ learning experience and supporting research-inspired, inquiry-led learning.”

The conference is supported by the fund received from the college and Annual Fund.

Date: 5 February 2019