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Welcome to the 22nd Marine Biological Association Postgraduate Conference: 
 

We are thrilled to announce the 22nd Annual Postgraduate Conference will be hosted by the University of Newcastle. This prestigious event brings together marine scientists, researchers, policy makers, and ocean enthusiasts. JJoin us as we celebrate and showcase the outstanding work being carried out by postgraduate and early-career marine scientists.

Our conference theme, “Making Waves: Connecting Early Careers in Marine Science,” highlights the importance of visibility, collaboration, and community within marine science.

We would like to invite postgraduate students and early career researchers to attend/participate in oral presentations, poster sessions and listen to our guest speakers. There will be, of course opportunities to socialise and network with attendees throughout the conference.  

 

Why Attend? 

This conference is an unparalleled opportunity to: 

  • Connect with Experts: Engage with leading marine biologists, conservationists, and policy makers. 

  • Collaborate Across Disciplines: Participate in workshops, panel discussions, and networking events aimed at building cross-disciplinary partnerships. 

  • Learn About Cutting-Edge Research: Hear from pioneering scientists on topics like marine biodiversity, climate adaptation, and sustainable management. 

  • Present Your Work: Showcase your research and insights with an audience of peers, practitioners, and students. 

  • Inspire Global Change: Be part of critical conversations that shape the future of marine science and ocean conservation. 

Who Should Attend? 

Whether you’re an established researcher, an early-career scientist, or simply passionate about ocean health, this conference offers something for everyone. We welcome academics, government representatives, industry professionals, NGOs, and students who share a commitment to protecting and understanding marine environments. 

Registration 

Early registration is encouraged, as spaces are limited! Early bird tickets are available until 1st March, with all bookings closing 15th April

  • Early bird tickets (available until 1st March 2025) - Member early bird price ...... | Non Member early bird ........
  • Standard ticket - MBA Member price ...... | Non Member price ......
  • Online only tickets (this ticket will give you access to most presentations, and no poster/social events) - MBA Member price ....... | Non Member Price ...........

Networking event, .....................

Book your ticket for the MBA Postgraduate Conference dinner at The Deep, Hull's award winning aquarium and marine research centre.

Whether you want to expand your professional network, exchange ideas or unwind after a day of conference sessions, this event is designed to bring together early career researchers in a relaxed, engaging and inspiring setting. Meet and mingle with like-minded early career professionals as you explore The Deep’s impressive exhibits after hours, and enjoy drinks on arrival, street food and a fun marine-themed quiz!

🐠What to expect 🐠
✨Enjoy drinks on arrival by the Jellyfish exhibit!
✨Take part in a fun marine-themed quiz!
✨Enjoy delicious street food (gf/vgo available)!
✨Explore The Deep’s exhibits like the Lagoon of Light, Ice Tunnel, Penguins, Deep Blue 1 and the Oceans Gallery!
✨Socialise and relax with like-minded early career professionals!


 

About the Venue 

The 22nd MBA Postgraduate Conference will take place across two of Newcastle University’s key marine science locations.

All oral presentations and keynote talks will be held in the Armstrong building on the Newcastle University campus, providing an accessible and vibrant setting in the heart of the city.

The poster session and evening networking event will be hosted at the historic Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats. Located on the coast and home to a wide range of marine research facilities, the Dove Marine Laboratory offers a unique environment that highlights the north easts marine heritage.

I felt included and totally engaged. I especially enjoyed the interactive creative workshops around science communication which provided unique tips and tricks as a modern day academic. The conference was a safe space for young researchers to present their work and to connect with more senior academics and other likeminded researchers. The experience has made me more confident to present my own work in a conference style setting.

Dina-Leigh Simons

PhD student University of Liverpool

“As a marine scientist-in-training with a passion for all things marine and marine microbiology in particular, I have found attending the MBA postgraduate conference in Aberystwyth highly rewarding and a fantastic opportunity to immerse myself in the community of fellow marine scientists in training whose research interests ranged widely.”

Valerie Williams

Participant 19th Postgraduate Conference

 

History of the MBA Postgraduate Conference

The MBA Postgraduate Conference is an initiative started in 2002 which aims to engage with, and make a contribution to, the marine biological post-graduate and early career researcher community.  It is run for and by postgraduate students and early career researchers, and this highly successful conference not only provides a supportive environment to share their work but also acts as a catalysis for networking and building collaborations that often last a lifetime!

Each year a group of postgraduate students and early career researchers from an institute come together to form an organising committee and go on to create a unique event with support from the MBA.  This opportunity to gain experience of running a conference is a valuable opportunity for the selected committee and allows them to develop the skills, experience and confidence they wouldn’t otherwise get.

If you are a postgraduate student and would like to be considered to run an upcoming postgraduate conference in 2027 please get in touch by emailing events@mba.ac.uk

Bookings now open
 

 

Ticket prices:

  • Early bird tickets (available until 31st March 2025) - Member early bird price ...... | Non Member early bird .......
  • Standard ticket - MBA Member price ...... | Non Member price ......
  • Online only tickets - MBA Member price ....... | Non Member Price ......
  • Conference Dinner -  

 

Bursaries 

We have a number of bursaries available to you. Find out more here: Bursaries