Over 100 postgraduate students from across the world have attended a major conference at the University of Aberdeen.
Moving Forward – a hugely successful annual event run by postgraduates at Aberdeen for their peers – was held for the fourth year running this week. And record numbers attended.
The two-day conference's aim was to allow postgraduate research students from different departments, schools and universities to debate common issues and problems. Individuals were able to network and form long term friendships, as well as having an ideal opportunity to present and discuss their work in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere.
"The conference has gone from strength to strength and has proved to be a vital learning tool for postgraduate students throughout the UK and beyond," said Margaret Hodder, one of the eight conference organisers.
"We had nearly 70 papers presented and just short of 120 delegates over the two days – roughly double the numbers we had in 2006. The event has just mushroomed and been a great success, with people attending from as far afield as Pakistan, Portugal, Eire, Denmark and Lithuania - and that's to name but a few. We also had a good representation from all the Scottish Universities and quite a few representatives from English Universities, too."
The conference provided a range of sessions with advice vital to the successful completion of a postgraduate career – including accessing funding sources and dissertation-writing tips - and also offered individuals the opportunity to absorb cutting edge research.
"The conference further helps to create a postgraduate student community which means experiences can be shared and lasting contacts established," added Margaret.
Professor Angela Black, Head of the Graduate School for CASS, opened the conference on Wednesday and said she was delighted with the turn-out. "This event continues to be the key occasion in the annual calendar for postgraduate students in the UK," she said. "We are very proud of our students for their leadership and organisational skills which marks this important event as both unique and innovative".