Following on the success of the first “Your research, your way,” session at the 2024 Daphne Jackson Conference, we’re exploring the advantages of thinking beyond a traditional poster session for conference presentations.
“Your research, your way,” showcased the diversity of our fellows and their research, as well as the different stages of fellowship they have completed. It moved away from old-fashioned metrics and overreliance on traditional ways of presenting to embrace new forms of research presentation.
As the Daphne Jackson Trust has grown and expanded, so too has the breadth of our fellows’ research. From Scottish literature and the history of medical data to quantum computing and the microbial management of agricultural disease, our fellows are researching an extensive range of subject areas.
“It was fantastic to have a snapshot of the wide area of research funded by the DJT and to encounter research topics and themes which I would not normally be exposed to in my day-to-day professional career.”
The innovative “Your research, your way,” session asked fellows to present their research in whatever way they felt best showcased their project.
Researchers used objects like a coffee plant to discuss research on root systems, traditional posters to showcase the details of their research on polymers, and created comic strips to explore both their medical research journey and their Daphne Jackson Fellowship.
Video presentations were particularly popular, including videos of a dancer with a robot, and animations that explored the connections between the menopause and cardiovascular health. You can read more about the range of conference presentations here.
Divided into two groups, fellows had a chance to network and learn about each other’s research at our Monday afternoon session, reserved just for them. On Tuesday morning, they were then able to present this research to the broader conference audience.
Both the fellows and conference participants found the new “Your research, your way” sessions to be refreshing and engaging. As a unique conference experience, the session both helped to build confidence and provide feedback about their work. Fellows said that the session pushed them to be creative and find new ways of communicating their research, as well as allowing them to explore the range of projects and network.
“It gave me the opportunity to network with fellows and delegates as well as practise presenting in a format that I had not experienced before. Seeing others’ presentation ideas was inspiring and made me feel more relaxed about conferences in general.”
Participants said “Your research, your way,” was a highlight of the conference, and we look forward to featuring it at future conferences. The session demonstrates the way that embracing creative, researcher-led forms of presentation can foster closer connections between researchers and inspire new forms of research communication.
Are you interested in returning to research after a career break of at least two years, taken for family, caring, or health reasons? Our Kidney Research UK and MS Society funded Daphne Jackson Fellowships are now open.
