주관기관	BSSS
행사장소	요크 대학(University of York)
행사기간	2013-03-27 ~ 2013-03-28

The British Society of Soil Science has a long history supporting postgraduate students in Soil Science. In 1986 Prof Ken Killham (Aberdeen) instigated what were then known as the 'Young Scientists Conference' in order to provide postgraduate student members of the Society with an opportunity to present their research to an audience made up mostly of their peers - that is fellow postgraduates.

 

 Subsequently Prof David Hopkins and then our recently retired administrator, Dr Jim Gauld organised the biennial Young Scientists' conference. Presentations were either given as oral papers or as posters, but both allowed students to present their research work in a somewhat less threatening environment to a formal conference! Training in presentation skills by giving a presentation and learning from others was seen as an important element of these events.

The meetings are usually held every other year, allowing students to present at least once during their research programme, and sometimes twice. London has been the more frequently used location for the conference, with venues including Imperial College, the Natural History Museum and the Society of Chemical Industry.

 

The conference in March 2011 will be hosted by York University. The meeting format has evolved over the years but usually extends to two full days, allowing the opportunity for some (very important) socialising during and after the conference dinner. Meetings are well attended - we have had up to 100 attendees, but 50-60 is a more usual number.

 

As well as students, some 'older', more established members of the Society attend in order to chair sessions and provide a critical but friendly commentary on individual presentations. That way, we can ensure that the conference has important training element as well as a social role!

Over the years many members of the Society have presented at this conference and gone on to great things. Several current members of the Society's council have presented at this event, and even a recent ex-President! All have benefited from the opportunity, generously supported by the Society, to share their research ideas and learn from their fellow postgraduate colleagues. We hope you are able to join us in York next March, and look forward to hearing about your research.

Registration will open in early 2013 and will be limited in number. Priority will go to those students presenting their work. The conference is Free to attend including accomodation and meal costs.