25 years of student science celebrated at milestone conference

Students showcased cutting-edge postgraduate research at a milestone 25th anniversary celebration at the University of Essex.

The School of Life Sciences Graduate Forum brought together postgraduate research students, academics, and technical staff across all departmental research groups.

Ecology and Environmental Microbiology, Genomics and Computational Biology, Plant Productivity, and Protein Structure and Mechanisms of Disease all shared their work to mark a quarter of a century of the annual event.

Organised by final-year postgraduate researchers, the Forum gives students the opportunity to present their research, exchange ideas and hear from established researchers about their careers and experiences.

This year’s landmark celebration featured plenary talks from Dr Angela Pine and Dr Lorna McAusland, who shared insights on their career trajectories after their PGR studies at Essex and advice for the next generation of researchers.

Artist Olivier Leger also discussed how art and science can transform complex science into works of art, a crucial skill for effective science communication to non-specialist audiences.

Professor Silke Paulmann, the University’s Faculty of Science Health Executive Dean, opened the Forum, while Professor Terry McGenity, Head of School, and Professor Tom Cameron, Director of Impact, also joined students and colleagues for the anniversary celebrations.

The event was led by postgraduate researchers Isabelle Firth and Russ Connelly, who began planning the anniversary edition in November 2025.

They were supported by a dedicated student organising committee, who secured 17 external sponsorships from partners who support and supply the ongoing research.

This attracted strong engagement, providing opportunities for postgraduate researchers to connect with organisations beyond the University.

The committee were also responsible for the smooth running of the event, chairing, hosting, and judging on the day.

'Unique experience'

Isabelle said: “We really wanted to make this year special and give our audience a unique experience.

"We chose to invite Life Sciences alumni Dr Angela Pine and Dr Lorna McAusland, who completed their studies at Essex, and have demonstrated career paths both broad and wonderful since their time here.

"We really wanted to inspire the audience and demonstrate that opportunities are endless when you pursue your passions. Angela, Oli and Lorna represent different research areas and interests, and we hope their experiences, skills and words of wisdom resonated with the current Life Sciences PGRs."

And added: “Reaching 25 years is a significant milestone, and it was great to bring together researchers past and present to engage with the exciting work being carried out today. The feedback from the department has been brilliant, a good time had by all!”

Russ echoed Isabelle's sentiment.

He said: “The Graduate Forum is such an important event for postgraduate students to build confidence and share their work in a supportive environment.

"Presenting your research is a great way to improve how you communicate science to the wider world, but it’s also about making real connections, sparking new ideas, and learning from both our peers and experienced academics."