The event, which took place at Riddel Hall, Queen's University, was a testament to the collaborative culture and innovative research being conducted in these critical fields.

The conference began with a warm welcome from Professor Elizabeth Magowan (AFBI), who set the tone for the day by highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Prof Magowan emphasised the role of young researchers in driving forward the boundaries of science and finding sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a series of insightful presentations covering a broad range of topics. These included cutting-edge research on sustainable agricultural practices, innovative approaches to managing environmental resources, and the latest developments in data technologies that support these fields. The diversity of topics underscored the interconnected nature of modern scientific research and the need for holistic approaches to solving complex problems.

One of the highlights of the conference was the poster competition, which showcased the work of PhD students from various disciplines. The competition was strong, with many impressive entries demonstrating the depth and breadth of research being undertaken across Queen’s and AFBI. Ultimately, the award for the best poster went to Edwin Ong Jun Kiat, whose work under the supervision of Dr Masoud Shirali (AFBI); Prof Mark Mooney (Queen’s) and Dr Conrad Ferris (AFBI), and stood out for its design and detail.

Dr Gareth Arnott (Queen’s) brought the conference to a close with a heartfelt thank you to all the contributors, including the speakers, attendees, and organizers. Dr Arnott praised the high quality of the research presented and the engaging discussions that took place throughout the day. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the event's organisers, PhD students Rehab Farouk Abdelfattah Soliman and Whitney Vale-Hagen, whose efforts were instrumental in making the conference a success.

In his closing remarks, Dr Arnott highlighted the importance of such conferences in providing a platform for young researchers to share their work, gain feedback, and build networks that will support their future careers. He expressed optimism about the future of research and highlighted the importance of a positive research culture and encouraged those in attendance to invest their time into fostering this sense of community whenever possible.

The Queen's-AFBI PhD Student Conference not only celebrated the achievements of its participants but also reinforced the value of academic collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This event was a clear demonstration of the vibrant research community at Queen's University and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, and it underscored the critical role that PhD researchers play in advancing knowledge and innovation in their fields.

Note: If any PhD students or staff working across Queen’s and AFBI would like support to organise an event please contact Joanna Mulholland (Queen’s-AFBI Project Manager)