Wolfson Research Event showcases interdisciplinary scholarship

The WRE is an annual interdisciplinary conference that provides Wolfson students with the opportunity to share their work with a broad, non-specialist audience. 

In preparation for the event, participants attended a series of workshops designed to develop skills in public speaking, poster design, and communicating complex ideas clearly and accessibly.

Thirty students took part over the two days, delivering either ten-minute presentations or poster displays. Research topics ranged from cinematic representations of urban inequality in Tehran and children’s access to dental care among immigrant communities, to contemporary American literature and the relationship between forest structure and biodiversity.

Among the highlights of this year’s event were Jessica McConnell’s animations illustrating ionic conductivity for a non-specialist audience, Hamideh Farahmandian’s video documenting the creation of a makeshift cinema inside a kiln in Tehran, and Yoann Launay’s use of simple illustrations and imaginative metaphors to explain the origins of the universe.

The event was organised by a student committee, which coordinated every stage of the process, from the initial call for papers and peer-review panels to speaker workshops, rehearsals, and the smooth running of the conference itself. The committee also worked closely with College staff to arrange the WRE dinner and alumni panel.

Reflecting on the experience, Co-Chair Julia Wieczorek said:

"It was a wonderful experience to organise and attend the WRE as a part-time student who does not live in Cambridge, because it gave me a chance to feel more connected to the Wolfson academic community. I presented at the WRE last year, and both years I was amazed by the breadth and variety of research taking place across the college. I think interdisciplinary exchange is incredibly important because some of the most unexpected and exciting ideas can emerge when different fields come together.”

This year, the committee introduced themed oral presentation sessions for the first time, encouraging audiences to explore shared topics through the perspectives of different disciplines. The organisers also placed particular emphasis on ensuring international students could participate fully in the event, resulting in the WRE’s first-ever video submission. 

“What a treat the Wolfson Research Event was. I learnt a lot on the day I attended. I was educated on how to interpret data that informs us on the origin of the universe, on the one hand, and the notion of the ‘well immigrant’, on the other. A truly enjoyable afternoon.”

Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, President

Laura Jeffrey, Wolfson’s Librarian, praised both the event and the students behind it. "This is a highlight of the year for me. The committee have worked tirelessly throughout the 8-month process: from advertising the event at Freshers’ Fair, putting out the initial call for papers, through the peer review process, to ensuring the two days ran smoothly.” 

“While the event was a great success, the WRE is primarily intended as a learning opportunity," says Laura.

"The committee develop valuable transferable skills in event management. Abstracts are assessed by panels, chaired by Fellows but also including masters and PhD students, giving them an insight into the complexities of peer-review. Likewise, we host workshops for our presenters to learn from Fellows, and for those able to attend the event, we all learn more about the diverse and ground-breaking research conducted our students. It encapsulates what Wolfson is about – a place to learn and develop together.”

Learn more

To learn more about the Wolfson Research Event, and to read about past iterations, visit the WRE webpage. 

Photos

Pictures from this event can be found on the College Flickr.