B.STU.0297 Postgraduate Student Conference

Summary

​The Sheep CRC postgraduate student conference is a conference and professional development workshop contributing to the development of postgraduate research students organized by the Sheep CRC. Students attend this event 3 times over the duration of their studies and are given the opportunity to present a component of their work as a 1 page conference abstract (compiled into a conference proceedings) and as a seminar delivered in a formal conference setting. Extensive verbal and written feedback is then provided by a panel of 10 senior scientists including the CEOs of the Beef and Sheep CRCs, and CRC research program leaders, with the make-up of this panel changing every year. This process stimulates the analysis and write-up of data on an annual basis and also hones the students' writing and presentation skills. After the conference a professional development workshop is run targeting a range of topics rotated on a year to year basis. These topics have included scientific writing skills, delivering to an industry audience, science to optimise adoption), and people management. A major outcome of this event is the facilitation of a national student network, enhancing ties between students and senior research scientists - many of whom become future employers. Meat and Livestock Australia requested their postgraduate students be included in this annual event and students are support with travel and conference expense assistance.