UQ’s Summer Research Program opens door to global conference

UQ student Penny Milton never expected to end up in Amsterdam presenting at an international conference just six months after her first research experience.

Thanks to The University of Queensland Summer Research Program, the Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning student was selected as one of three undergraduates to present at the ninth Universitas 21 (U21) Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of Amsterdam from July 8–12.

“I took part in the Summer Research program in 2012–2013 to investigate vertical mixed use developments in Brisbane’s CBD, which are one aspect of developing more healthy and sustainable cities,” Ms Milton said.

“I want to do a thesis in my fourth year and I thought it would be a good idea to participate and get a taste of what to expect.

“Doing the Summer Research Program has opened so many unexpected doors for me.

“Not only did I gain practical experience in the research field, but I now get to go to the research conference where I get to network with other students from around the world and present my work, which will assist me with my professional development.”

Coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), the Summer Research Program enables undergraduate and coursework masters students to take advantage of UQ’s world-class research reputation by contributing to a research project over the summer vacation period.

In addition, all participants are eligible for scholarships valued at up to $3000 to support their research experiences.

Dr Jessica Gallagher, Director of OUE, said the UQ Summer Research Program was the largest of its kind in Australia and was ideal for students who wanted to experience research before undertaking honours or a research higher degree.

“Last year’s summer cohort was the largest since the program began, with over 540 students completing projects, 76 of whom were non-UQ students from 18 different countries,” Dr Gallagher said.

“Previous Summer Research scholars have told us that the program helped them to develop links with industry and academic contacts, publish or present their research, and in many instances motivated them to enrol in a UQ research higher degree after their experience.”

Interested students can submit an application to participate in UQ’s Summer Research Program by Friday 30 August via: www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/summer-research.

Media: Melanie Martin, 3366 0655 or melanie.martin@uq.edu.au