For Staff

Leeds is taking part in the annual two-day International Conference for Undergraduate Research (ICUR) on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 September. 

Using video-conferencing technology, ICUR provides undergraduate researchers with the chance to present their own research findings – in any discipline – in real-time, without having to leave their home university. 

Since its establishment in 2013, more than a thousand students from 11 institutions have presented at ICUR, which is led and sponsored by the Universities of Warwick and Monash.

Recognising not everyone wants to, can afford to or is able to travel the globe to attend an international conference, ICUR was designed as an alternative format for undergraduates to share their ideas with students based in other continents. The technological support was specified so that real time conversations are possible, including the ability to gauge reactions and responses from other delegates through video links.

Professor Paul Taylor, Pro-Dean for Student Education (MaPS), is chairman of the Undergraduate Research Steering Group at Leeds and also of the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR). 

Professor Taylor, who works on delivering ICUR at Leeds, said: “Leeds gives all its students the opportunity to develop as researchers. 

“Increasingly, research has international perspectives. ICUR is an opportunity for Leeds students to present their findings to a global audience, without the necessity of long-distance travel. It’s an exciting meeting of minds in a virtual, multidisciplinary, multinational space, but in real time.”

University staff and students are welcome to attend ICUR, either on a daily basis or by individual sessions in seminar rooms 1-4 of the Charles Thackrah Building. There will be presentations representing every Faculty at Leeds.