Research while having lunch in the sunshine
When thinking of research, many people would probably think of a lonely academic buried under books in a secluded office – and not of about 35 people engaged into lively discussions over lunch in the sunshine.
– Actually, having lunch and coffee and all those “informal” breaks are an important part of participating in a conference, says Professor Thomas Ritter, Research Director of the BMP Center and organizer of the conference.
– You get the opportunity to discuss your ideas in more depth than during the presentation of 15 minutes and the 10 minutes discussion time afterwards, agrees one of the participants, Cynthia Winther, who is currently writing her PhD under supervision of Thomas Ritter.
Getting out and getting feedback
Both Cynthia Winther and Mette Vedel are PhD students at CBS’ Center for Applied Market Science (CAMS) (link cbs.dk/cams) in Herning and enjoy the chance to get diverse feedback on their research projects, a procedure that is actively encouraged by CAMS:
- In their first year, our PhD students get a free ticket to a conference, just to see how it works – from the second year on, we expect them to present what they have been working on, explains Jens Geersbro, Mette’s PhD supervisor and former Head of CAMS, the leading research center on this topic in Denmark.
- As you work on your PhD for quite a while, those kinds of gatherings help you to test your ideas,and the feedback makes you realise the strengths and weaknesses of your project, adds Mette Vedel.
Not a PhD playground
- However, research conferences are not PhD supervision meetings, stresses Thomas Ritter.
- We are only interested in relevant research, something that is new or that covers an interesting angle of previous explorations. By bringing together established researchers and those who have just started, we ensure a high level of discussion and reflection. It’s a good platform for everyone, he elaborates.
Researcher training camp
On their way for a permanent place on that platform, the PhD students Mette and Cynthia view this CBS conference as a good training unit: - Every conference keeps you in the process of writing and reflecting – the feedback and comments on your work give you a push and make you fitter!
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