Following the outbreak of COVID-19, many global conferences have been cancelled or delayed. The inaugural UK Online Equine Student Conference takes place on Wednesday 15th July 2020, and will allow individuals to present their research within a safe, virtual environment.
Writtle University College (WUC) is proud to be a sponsor of the one-day event. The conference is open to all UK equine undergraduate and postgraduate students either graduating in 2019 or 2020, or in the case of postgraduates, still studying in 2020. It was created by Dr David Marlin along with Dr Jane Williams from Hartpury University, WUC's own Dr. Roberta Ferro de Godoy and Lorna Cameron from the University Centre Sparsholt.
Lecturers from educational institutions offering equine courses have been quick to offer their support. In addition to WUC, sponsors now include Alltech, Science Supplements, Haygain, the Pure Feed Company, University of Edinburgh, Hartpury University, University Centre Sparsholt, Arioneo, Equestic and Cryochaps.
Dr. Roberta Ferro de Godoy said: "With all conferences cancelled due to COVID-19, a group of universities, including our own, joined together to organise an online student event. Our aim is to allow undergraduates and postgraduates to present their dissertation results. I am delighted that we will be able to give students this opportunity. Both undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations are eligible and we are anticipating a high quality of work."
There will be separate categories and prizes and submissions can be either oral or poster. Anyone from anywhere in the world can register to attend, and the platform will allow up to 1000 participants as attendees. Around 60 presentations are expected.
The event will run from 10.00 to 17.00 and two prizes will be awarded in each category, courtesy of the sponsors:
ORAL UNDERGRADUATE: 1st Prize £200; 2nd £100
ORAL POSTGRADUATE: 1st Prize £200; 2nd £100
POSTER UNDERGRADUATE: 1st Prize £75; 2nd £50
POSTER POSTGRADUATE: 1st Prize £75; 2nd £50
The conference is open to students who have not previously presented their work, whether they are now living in the UK or overseas. In addition, anyone in the UK with an interest in equine science is welcome to attend on a delegate basis.
Students can submit their abstracts here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-equine-student-conference-2020-registration-for-abstract-submission-tickets-105633069354
To register for a ticket, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-equine-student-conference-2020-attendee-registration-tickets-105633857712