Presenting a sports science dissertation at the BASES Student Conference

Applying to university? Studying a degree is an unforgettable experience, whatever you choose to specialise in. But your development doesn’t have to stop at your core course requirements. Whether it’s extra-curricular social activities, taking on a summer research placement or getting stuck into networking, there are always more ways to really set your university experience apart. In this blogpost, Sport and Exercise Science BSc grad Laura recalls bringing her dissertation to life at the 2017 BASES Student Conference, a two-day event that included a poster presentation, meeting industry experts and networking with like-minded sports scientists. Over to Laura…

Taking my undergraduate dissertation to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science

by Laura Perry, Sport and Exercise Science BSc

During my third year of university, I was in the process of completing my dissertation alongside my other assessments when a sports lecturer at the university emailed me suggesting that I apply to present a poster of my dissertation at the BASES Student Conference. I had no experience of presenting posters at conferences, in fact, I’d never attended a conference. So I didn’t believe that I would be accepted and was therefore somewhat dismissive of the idea at first. That said, after some encouragement, a small part of me started to believe that I could actually be accepted...

What did the application involve?

I had to complete an abstract for my dissertation in line with the guidelines provided. After numerous revisions following feedback from my supervisor, a biomechanics lecturer and my academic mentor, my abstract was finally ready to be submitted. Then there was nothing left to do but wait. I remember the day I received the email saying I was accepted. I was both ecstatic and shocked! I hadn’t really expected to hear anything. 

The joy of being accepted was somewhat short-lived because I knew this meant I had to create a poster for the conference whilst also preparing for exams. Luckily the academic staff at London Met supported me tremendously and helped me to ensure the poster adhered to the guidelines.

Next stop: The conference

The conference was a two-day event held at the University of St Mark & St John in Plymouth. I was scheduled to present my poster on day two of the event and so I enjoyed the first day without any stress. The BASES Student Conference had a mix of keynotes, lab sessions, free presentations and poster presentations. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to other students’ presentations and discovering their dissertation topics in addition to the keynote presentations led by the experts in the field. There was also a dinner organised on one of the evenings which offered valuable networking opportunities and a chance to discuss research projects in more detail. 

Taking the stage

The second day it was my turn to present. With my poster proudly displayed I discussed my research and findings with everyone who approached and enjoyed answering their questions to the best of my ability. Before I knew it, my session was over and it was back to the conference as an attendee, trying to absorb as much information as possible before the conference drew to the end. 

Overall, it was a great experience and one I would recommend to other students. Taking part in a conference like this helps you to build your confidence with presenting and increases your awareness of the research currently going on. You also get great first-hand insight into emerging ideas and perspectives. Moreover, it provides you the opportunity to network with not just other students but also the experts in the field.