by Victoria Pope, BEng Product Design Engineering (Year 3)

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending the UKSB (UK Society for Biomaterials) Annual Conference 2025, hosted at Lancaster University. As a recent undergraduate with a growing interest in biomaterials and medical device design, the conference offered a valuable platform to learn about the latest developments in the field and connect with professionals from all stages of their academic and career journeys.

One of the highlights of the event was presenting my poster titled “Towards a Cost-Effective Simplified Mechanical Fuse: A Feasibility Study”, based on an accelerated KTP project I completed at Canterbury Christ Church University in partnership with eXroid Technology Ltd in just six months. It was both humbling and empowering to share my work among a group of talented researchers, many of whom were master’s or PhD students presenting their final projects. As the only undergraduate at the conference, it was a rewarding challenge and milestone.

Inspiring Talks and Innovations

A standout moment for me was the presentation by Jessica Senior, who showcased her work on chronic wound models for medical students and training. These models provide lifelike feedback, are biodegradable, and can be reused, helping to reduce medical waste while offering effective simulation-based education. I found her work deeply aligned with my own interests, and it was a privilege to connect with her.

Networking and Career Advice

The conference provided me with the chance to network with professionals and academics across various disciplines and career stages. One particularly encouraging conversation was with a recent PhD graduate who had a similar university journey to mine. We discussed the benefits of going straight into a PhD after a Bachelor’s, as well as whether a master’s might be a better stepping stone.

Several attendees shared their own transitions into postgraduate research, noting the steep learning curve, but also how much they had grown, both intellectually and personally, through the process. These conversations gave me valuable insights into the realities of further study and helped clarify my own aspirations.

Lessons in Communication and Presentation

Aside from the networking and academic content, I also learned a lot about effective science communication. Observing the diverse poster designs and flash presentations gave me ideas on how to improve my own approach, whether that’s incorporating more graphics, using colour more strategically, or refining how I present complex ideas in a limited time. Watching three-minute presentations highlighted how important it is to balance factual content with clear messaging.

Final Thoughts

Attending the UKSB Annual Conference 2025 was a fantastic experience. I learned so much, made meaningful connections, and gained clarity on my future direction. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend this event to any student or early-career professional interested in biomaterials research.

If you would like to write for UKSB please get in touch.