Posters in Parliament is an annual event under the British Conference of Undergraduate Research, held at the UK Houses of Parliament in London. I was incredibly grateful to be asked to attend this year’s event, presenting my honours thesis: “The Short-Term Impact of River Restoration on Birds” which I completed as part of my BSc Conservation Biology degree.
The event attracted attendees from across the country to showcase their research to politicians, policy makers and academics. It was a privilege to present my research which evaluated the Cattie Burn Restoration Project; a modern and ambitious method of conservation which pursued ecosystem recovery and the shared benefit of traditionally conflicting stakeholders. My research aimed to understand the impacts, both positive and negative, that this project may have on birds in the short term. The event was an incredible opportunity to be able to represent the University of Aberdeen, and conservation in the North-East of Scotland at a National level.
In the morning, I was given the opportunity to attend a workshop on the importance of research in the parliamentary process. This session allowed me to understand the ways in which academic research can influence policy making and the processes which researchers can follow to have their voices heard. I left feeling equipped to advocate for my research in the afternoon conference and inspired to make a change with any future research I undertake!
During the poster exhibition I was able to speak to other undergraduate researchers who are doing some amazing research! It was especially nice to speak to students from other disciplines and see the variety of progress being made in current undergraduate research. From the use of waste fish products to make mineral supplements, to the role of natural resources in the perpetuation of war in Sudan, I came away feeling very inspired.
Posters in Parliament 2025 was an unforgettable experience, and a highlight of my time at the University of Aberdeen. I feel so proud to have been able to share my honours project research with Members of Parliament and other students from universities across the UK. I would like to thank my thesis supervisor Dr Vasilis Louca for his guidance and encouragement throughout my honours project. I also owe massive thank you to Prof Michelle Pinard and the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. Their help and support made it possible for me to attend this event and I am incredibly grateful.
