A poster-perfect day: Students share findings at Postgraduate Research Conference
On 20 June, the School of Medicine hosted its annual Postgraduate Research Conference in the Gateway building. The day began with presentations from PhD students and early-career researchers on subjects ranging from the value of patient and public involvement in research to the ongoing effort to tackle antimicrobial resistance (see full programme). A staff panel examining “What makes a good PhD?” followed, featuring Director of Research Prof. Frank Sullivan, Head of the Infection and Global Health Division Prof. Matthew Holden, Senior Lecturer Dr Morven Shearer, and Dr Morag Mansley.
Attendees broke for a poster viewing and networking session, with 10 posters exploring a similarly impressive assortment of themes. These included cardiac physiology, multimorbidity prediction and prevention, and the health impact of tax injustice.
Following five additional presentations, the day closed with a prizegiving ceremony with the following prizes being awarded:
- Best Presentation: Etang Collins Etang (PhD student; Supervisor: Dr Morag Mansley) – “From mice to men: Defining corticosteroid-regulated sodium transport in human distal nephron”
- Most Commendable Presentation (Runner Up): Sepideh Benvari (PhD student; Supervisor: Prof. Matthew Holden) – “Burden of antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in East Africa: Insights from whole-genome sequencing data”
- Best Poster: Quenton Hurst (PhD student; Supervisor: Dr Samantha Pitt) – “The role of MG23 in dox-induced cardiac dysfunction”
- People’s Choice: Dr Emma Gale (Research Assistant in Adolescent Health) – “Evening and weekend routine modification as a potential health-promoting intervention to improve sleep and obesity in adolescents”
Superbly organised by the PGR Committee (PhD students Elbina Advich, Katrin Metsis, and Hazem Abdullah), the conference showcased the impressive range of postgraduate research being conducted at the School. Well done to all involved on a fun and engaging day!