The inaugural UK Equine online student conference announced

The UK Equine online student conference will provide the equestrian students across the country with the much-needed opportunity to present new research as part of their studies

Due to take place on Wednesday 15 July, this exciting, online student conference will allow students to give presentations about the research they’ve undertaken throughout their studies, as many equine conferences have now been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing research often represents the peak of academic training for many students, who have been left disappointed and lacking opportunities during the lockdown.

Dr David Marlin, Dr Jane Williams of Hartpury University, Dr Roberta Ferro De Godoy from Writtle University College and Lorna Cameron from University Centre Sparsholt are the brains behind the conference. The initiative quickly gained the support of lecturers from all equine universities and attracted attention from high-profile sponsors, including Haygain, Science Supplements, University of Edinburgh, Writtle University College, Hartpury University and University Centre Sparsholt.

Dr David Marlin commented, “So many students were destined to miss out on the opportunity to present their findings at a conference, so we felt compelled to try and create something as close as possible to a physical conference setting, in line with the current requirements to adhere to social distancing measures. I’m extremely grateful to the sponsors who have come forward to support this venture, especially since we appreciate that this is also a difficult time for many businesses. As a result of their generous sponsorship, we have managed to minimise the cost to students taking part.”

The online event will run from 10am to 5pm and will include oral and poster presentations in under- and postgraduate categories. Prizes will be awarded in each, and the conference is open to students studying in 2018–19 or 2019–20 who haven’t already presented their research. Anyone with an interest in equine science is invited to attend, with early bird tickets available for £5 until 15 June, after which they’ll be £10.

For more information, to submit an abstract or register for tickets, visit eventbrite.co.uk