2nd Postgraduate Conference 2007
2nd Postgraduate Conference: University of Birmingham, July 2007
July 2007 saw not only the full SPA Conference in Birmingham but also, on the following day, the SPA’s 2nd Postgraduate Conference. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event we were delighted with the demand for places at this event from postgraduates. This event is gaining momentum year-on-year and this year’s event required two parallel streams to run throughout the day in order to accommodate the number of papers received. Despite the transport chaos caused by the floods the one-day event brought together around fifteen postgraduate researchers from across the UK to take part in a day of engaging presentations and discussions across a broad range of social policy topics.
The day fell into six broad topic areas: social cohesion; poverty and social exclusion; health; work-family reconciliation; the policy process; and one mixed sessions. Presenters were each able to enjoy thirty minutes for papers and discussions for what for some was a more informal environment in which to make their first academic presentation or to practice their presentational skills, and what for others was an opportunity to meet fellow postgraduates and to share research experiences as much as research findings. Like last year, presentations were once again of an excellent standard and lunch was once again unable to break off the questions and discussion!
Overall, the day was a huge success and is an excellent addition to the SPA’s package of benefits to postgraduate members for their £18 annual membership. Participants felt the day was enjoyable and stimulating, and welcomed the opportunity to meet other students and to present their work in a less intimidating setting. Many met fellow postgraduates working on similar topics and there was great enthusiasm for developing the event further in the coming years. My thanks go again to Helen Harris at Birmingham University for her help in organising the event and too al those postgraduates who took part and who made the event such a success.