Call for participants for Research Festival

University College Isle of Man (UCM) is calling for researchers who are ‘curious’ to get involved with this year’s Research Festival.

Academics, students and researchers who have conducted research that fits with the theme are being asked to submit their papers for consideration for the event, being held on 13th October 2023.

UCM is continuing the theme of 'Secure, Vibrant, Sustainable', which links to the Isle of Man Government's Our Island Plan.

Gail Corrin, UCM’s Higher Education Manager, who runs the Research Festival, said: 'The 2022 event was absolutely fantastic and we were pleased by the number of applications to present papers from both local and international academics and researchers.

'Last year’s topics ranged from microplastics on Manx beaches, women in Manx politics, new evidence for the dating and origin of Manx Christianity, the impact of Brexit on British island nations and innovative weight management programmes.

'The festival has always had an eclectic mix of research areas, which is one of the things that makes it so fascinating and relevant for the diverse businesses in our community as well as our students and the many ‘curious’ minds on the Island.'

The festival is part of Research Vannin, which is hosted by UCM in partnership with researchers on and off the Island, and takes a collaborative approach to promoting a vibrant and productive research community through the sharing of resources, events and networking opportunities.

The Research Festival, now in its fifth year, offers students, independent researchers and guests alike the opportunity to listen to presentations, participate in research workshops and network over coffee and lunch in the impressive environments of UCM’s Nunnery campus. 

The aim of the event is to exchange knowledge and ideas, facilitate collaboration between researchers, on and off-Island, promote the reputation of Island-based research, and to educate, in line with one of the main functions of a UNESCO Biosphere.

Research can be showcased in either a presentation or poster format. Anyone interested in showcasing their research at the festival can find more information at www.ucm.ac.im/rf23.

The deadline for submission is 30th June.

Look back on last year's Research Festival here.