Research in Conversation – a SA networking event

There was good attendance at a recent networking event, held at Intersection Traders (owned by Daniel Gregg, mid-career researcher and RAID supporter) in Adelaide. This event was put together and managed by our very own Sophie Lountain.

Sophie Lountain (left) and Vyta Hanifar (right).

Pizza and drinks were provided on arrival and three presentations were given by:

Vyta Hanifar (PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide) shared her career journey, how she came to Adelaide and her experiences navigating her PhD.
Iain Fraser (Senior Lecturer, School of Economics, University of Adelaide) shared practical advice for early-career researchers, drawing on his involvement in international and rural development projects. He also highlighted the importance of networking.
Daniel Gregg discussed his previous ACIAR research projects and his work establishing and maintaining an ethical coffee supply chain in Uganda, including selling the coffee through Intersection Traders.

Vyta Hanifar (left) Iain Fraser (middle) Daniel Gregg (right).

Participants included early- and mid-career researchers, with disciplinary backgrounds spanning research, agriculture, economics and international development.

Discussions and feedback highlighted the value of creating a relaxed environment that encouraged open and honest conversations, where participants could freely share ideas, discuss their experiences and ask questions.

The event successfully achieved its intended purpose of providing an accessible, easy-to-organise and informal social gathering for early career researchers.