GSD student showcases research at ICUR 2019
Every year, students from the Global Sustainable Development department present their research at the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR). This year, the conference took place on the 24th and 25th of September in The Oculus building on campus, showcasing the best undergraduate research from around the world via internationally video-linked sessions.
Supported by the Monash Warwick Alliance, nine institutions from across the globe, with students presenting from the UK, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa and the USA, shared their research in a transdisciplinary setting that encouraged presenters to rethink their own work in an international context.
This year, Todd Olive, one of our final year Economic Studies and GSD students took part in the two day conference, presenting his work to his own peers within the University, and to those from partner institutions too. Find out how he found his ICUR experience below, and be inspired to join the conversation next year.
Todd Olive
Final year Economic Studies and GSD student
Research title: The Economics of Climate Change: Understanding the relevance
and power of an updated Stern Review in combating the Climate Emergency
What's the value in presenting at ICUR, which has such diverse interdisciplinary discussions?
The value from this experience was the challenge in understanding how to communicate what is a fairly niche statistical topic to a wider disciplinary audience, particularly given the heavily economic principles that parts of my paper covered.
Was the research you presented at ICUR linked to a module you've studied with GSD?
My research was linked to the module Challenges of Climate Change. The original paper was the final assessment for the module, which has since been revised. The essay title process for this module was unique, as I came up with my own. Therefore, there were elements in my research from within the module, but the paper went beyond the scope of the module.
What's your advice for other students who might be interested in getting involved next year?
My advice would be why not? If you have something that has a broader impact and draws in strands from other disciplines, it’s absolutely worth getting involved in. Don’t be afraid to pick out the bits of your paper that you find particularly interesting - it’s much more inspiring if people can see the interest you have in it.
ICUR 2018: GSD students
- Nicola Blasetti
Politics, International Studies and GSD student
Research title: Climate Action in Europe: the costs of climate change and the necessity for adaptation in the EU Member States
- Constance Frohly
Economic Studies and GSD student
Research title: Understanding inequalities in multicultural cities as a dynamic process
- Rhys Hillan
Single Honours GSD student
Research title: Demonstrating the correlation between food insecurity and mental health issues and the positive role food sovereignty can play in addressing this
ICUR Portal
Keep up to date with the annual conference via the main ICUR website
