Providing a platform where students can shine
Scottish Branch chair Yana Yaneva reports on this year’s Postgraduate Conference, where students were eager to push the boundaries of psychological inquiry.
25 October 2024
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As chair of the British Psychological Society in Scotland, I have the privilege of attending numerous academic gatherings, each unique in its contributions to the growth and development of our field.
However, the recent Postgraduate Conference hosted by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen left a particularly lasting impression on me. It was not only a day marked by intellectual rigor and fresh perspectives but also one of meaningful personal connections and shared aspirations.
Upon arriving at the event, I was immediately struck by the energy in the room. The students, many of whom had travelled far, were eager not only to present their research but to engage in dialogue, challenge established ideas, and push the boundaries of psychological inquiry.
Commitment to research excellence
As I moved through the day, attending presentations and discussions, I was continually impressed by the depth of knowledge, the creativity of thought, and the commitment to research excellence these students demonstrated.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference for me was meeting the students in person. Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to hear their stories, understand their motivations, and learn more
about their individual journeys into psychology. These conversations reminded me of the importance of mentorship, support, and community in academic life. Many of them spoke not only of their passion for their research topics but of their desire to contribute to the wider world through psychology, addressing critical societal issues and promoting wellbeing on a larger scale.
'Impressive' organisation
Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay, who led the organisation of this impressive conference, deserves special mention. Her leadership was evident in every detail of the day, from the smooth running of sessions to the carefully curated panels that showcased both the diversity and depth of postgraduate research in psychology.
Her commitment to providing a platform where students could shine, share their work, and learn from one another was inspiring, and I could see how her guidance had nurtured an environment of collaboration and encouragement.
As the day drew to a close, I was called upon to deliver the final thank you and closing remarks. Standing before this room full of bright, talented individuals, I was struck by the immense potential that lay before us. I expressed my gratitude to the students for their contributions, to the panellists and speakers for their insights, and to Dr Forbes-McKay for her tireless efforts in making the event such a success. But more than anything, I wanted to leave the students with a message of encouragement.
New voices
At this pivotal stage in their careers, it is crucial to remember that the journey of psychological research is not always a linear one. It requires persistence, curiosity, and sometimes a willingness to challenge the status quo. The work they are doing now, the questions they are asking, and the ideas they are developing will shape not only their futures but the future of our discipline. Psychology, as a field, thrives on the contributions of new voices and perspectives, and the students at Robert Gordon University exemplified this in abundance.
In my closing remarks, I urged them to continue their research with passion and purpose, to seek out opportunities for collaboration and growth, and to never underestimate the impact their work can have. The world needs psychologists who are not only academically brilliant but who are committed to applying their knowledge in ways that make a difference.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks once again to Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay for her impeccable organisation and to the students, who made the day not just an academic success, but a truly memorable experience. It was an honour to be part of such a significant event, and I look forward to seeing where the careers of these promising scholars take them.
With every conference, every new conversation, and every piece of research presented, the future of psychology looks brighter - and I am proud to be a part of that journey.
