School’s annual postgraduate research conference proves a success

The School of Modern Languages recently held its annual postgraduate research conference which saw postgraduate research students from both the School and across the UK present their work to staff and students from Cardiff University.

The conference on 6 June was organised by postgraduate researchers from the School of Modern Languages and was supported by the ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership. The conference was entitled ‘Transcultural Encounters: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Language, History, and Culture in a Global Society’ and its aim was to highlight and celebrate interdisciplinary research that explores how language, history, and culture define us, and how we define them, in an interconnected global society.

Over 20 papers by postgraduate students from across the social sciences and humanities were presented on 6 panels throughout the day. Those presenting were asked to include the School of Modern Languages’ 3 research streams in their research. These include history and heritage, translation and interpreting, and global and language-based area studies. As well as presenting their research, students had the opportunity to engage in networking and they also received a keynote speech by Professor Kate Griffiths on ‘Starting and developing an academic career’.

Reflecting on the event, one attendee said: “The most helpful part of the event was the Research Surgeries and the opportunity to ask questions about academic careers from experienced academics.”

Jacob Lloyd is a postgraduate research student at the School of Modern Languages and was one of the event’s organisers. He said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to bring together researchers from different disciplines, backgrounds, and institutions. It was rewarding to see how keenly each participant engaged with their colleagues’ presentations and with the sessions run by senior academics. I am sure the connections made and insights gleaned will lead to fruitful future research.”