Two of our GSD students have been selected to present their research on Guatemala's extractive industry at a prestigious undergraduate research conference this month.

Sofia Morales Diaz (second year GSD) and Milagros Garcia Marroquin (final year GSD and Business Studies) will be presenting the findings of their 2024 Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS) research project at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) in Newcastle on 9th and 10th April 2025, together with their co-author Ana Lelo de Larrea (second year PPE).

Established in 2011, BCUR is the largest conference in the UK dedicated exclusively to undergraduate students, promoting and sharing research in all disciplines. The conference takes place each year at a different University. This year, it will be hosted at Newcastle University.

Sofia, Ana and Milagros’ research project, titled ‘Development Narratives in Guatemala's Extractive Industry: Analysing Stakeholders' Perspectives’, focuses on the complex relationship between development and the extractive industry in Guatemala, using Mina Marlin and Mina El Tambor as case studies.

Primary data collection was conducted through interviews with government officials, Indigenous leaders, and economists to gain a comprehensive understanding of how different groups perceive and experience “development”. The research explored how development models can be reimagined to ensure all key stakeholders benefit equitably, especially in contexts where environmental and social justice are at stake.

The research project was completed in October 2024 under the supervision of GSD Assistant Professor Dr Jose Martin Lima Velazquez. Sofia and Milagros’ attendance to BCUR has also been part-funded by the School for Cross-faculty Studies.

Sofia commented on the research project:

“This project was more than just an academic exercise—it was about amplifying voices often left unheard and finding pathways toward more sustainable and inclusive growth in resource-rich regions. I’m looking forward to sharing more insights from this research!”

You can read Sofia, Ana and Milagros’ research paper in full here.