The student thesis conference as a model for authentic and inclusive student research dissemination

Abstract

Engaging in a final year project is required in most undergraduate degree programmes. However, the student research experience often differs from the academic experience due to a lack of opportunities for research dissemination. We present the Student Thesis Conference as an innovative research dissemination model used in Sports Science degrees at the University of Hull. The 500 delegate conference is embedded throughout the programme; first year students attend as delegates, second years present their dissertation proposals as posters and final year students give oral presentations of their research findings. We determine that the conference engages students of all abilities, and students see the conference primarily in terms of improving communication skills. We show that the conference increases student confidence in presentation skills, demonstrating the impact of communication to larger audiences. The conference is an inclusive and authentic model of undergraduate research dissemination, and could be widely adopted throughout the sector.