#UKSB2026 Travel Bursary Winner Saima Ashraf
By Saima Ashraf, Nottingham Trent University
Attending the UK Society for Biomaterials (UKSB) Annual Conference 2026 at Birmingham University was an inspiring and rewarding experience. The conference provided the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in cutting-edge research, gain new perspectives, and connect with researchers who share a passion for improving healthcare through innovation.
A personal highlight of the conference was presenting my research poster, “Biodegradable CaCO₃ Vaterite Microcrystals and Microgels: Surface-Supported and Free-Standing Architectures for Cellular Drug Delivery. Presenting my work to an audience of established academics, early-career researchers, and postgraduate students was both exciting and motivating. It was a privilege to discuss my research with experts in the field, answer questions about my work, and receive valuable feedback that will help shape my future research.
What made the experience even more meaningful was being surrounded by talented master’s and PhD students showcasing the outcomes of their research. Seeing the breadth and quality of work being undertaken across the biomaterial’s community was inspiring and reinforced my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in research.
One of the greatest benefits of attending UKSB 2026 was the opportunity to network with researchers from diverse academic backgrounds and career stages. I had several insightful conversations about postgraduate study, particularly with a recent PhD graduate whose academic journey closely mirrored my own. We discussed the different routes into research.
Hearing these personal experiences gave me a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with postgraduate research. While many described the transition as demanding, they also spoke about the immense personal growth, resilience, and confidence they had gained throughout their research journeys. These conversations offered valuable guidance and have helped me think more clearly about my own future aspirations.
In addition to the scientific programme, the conference highlighted the importance of effective science communication. The poster sessions showcased a wide range of presentation styles, each demonstrating different ways of making complex research more accessible and engaging. I came away with practical ideas for improving my own poster designs.
The three-minute flash presentations were another standout feature of the conference. Watching researchers distil years of work into concise, engaging presentations demonstrated the importance of communicating scientific ideas clearly without sacrificing their impact. It was an excellent reminder that effective research is not only about generating new knowledge but also about sharing it in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.
Looking back, UKSB 2026 was far more than a conference—it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and become part of a welcoming and supportive research community. The experience has strengthened my passion for biomaterials research and reinforced my ambition to contribute to the development of innovative biomaterials and medical technologies that can improve patient care.
I am sincerely grateful to the UKSB 2026 Organising Committee for delivering such a well-organised and inspiring event, and to the UK Society for Biomaterials for supporting my attendance through the UKSB Travel Award. Their generosity made this experience possible, allowing me to present my research, expand my professional network, and gain insights that will continue to influence my academic journey.
I leave the conference feeling inspired, motivated, and excited for the next stage of my career, and I look forward to continuing to develop as a researcher while contributing to the future of biomaterials science.
