Insights on ICUR 2025 from the Student Directors

ICUR 2025 Student Directors give us their insights on why ICUR 2025 is worthwhile for students.

Maddy Parlato, Marketing Coordinator and Assistant Editor, Reinvention: An International Journal of Undergraduate Research, May 2025

Hesper Ling Shan Cheung and Abi Hession are two Student Directors for ICUR, the International Conference for Undergraduate Research held at the University of Warwick. They have agreed to share with us their insights on the conference as well as what makes ICUR a worthwhile experience.

Let’s start with introductions - tell us a little more about yourself and your journey with ICUR.

Hesper: I’m Hesper Ling Shan Cheung and I’m currently a 3rd year Philosophy with Psychology student at the University of Warwick. I joined ICUR as a Student Director in 2024, shortly after being accepted into the Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS). At the time, while I had a strong passion for philosophy, I sometimes questioned its pragmatic value. [...] I’m also curious about the broader question of the relation between the humanities and sciences, as well as whether and how empirical findings beyond psychology can affirm or challenge philosophical discussions. So, when I first learned about ICUR, I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet people who are passionate about other disciplines. [...] I participated in various aspects of ICUR 2024, including reviewing abstracts, organising practice panels, mentoring presenters, and later attending the conference myself.

Abi: I’m Abi Hession, a 3rd year undergraduate Physics student at the University of Warwick. My journey with ICUR began when I first encountered the conference as a student who was passionate about research and its impact. The opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary projects and present work to an international audience is what initially drew me in. Now, as an ICUR Student Director, I get to help and support others in sharing their research and experiencing the unique benefits of the ICUR conference.

How would you describe ICUR and the elements that make it unique to someone curious to learn more about this event?

Hesper: ICUR is a platform for undergraduate students from across the globe who have undertaken research opportunities in any discipline to communicate their findings with one another. To this end, they’ll need to step back from the details they specialise in and think about how their work contributes to the broader edifice of knowledge and why it matters. [...] For those who have yet to undertake their own research, often first-year students, ICUR is a great place to start. By attending as an audience member, you’ll have the chance to meet hundreds of undergraduates who have been in your position and are passionate about sharing their research journey. You can learn from their presentations and ask questions that might spark your curiosity for your own research down the line. It is also great for curious individuals who want to know what’s going on in other disciplines amidst increasing specialisation.

Abi: ICUR is an incredible platform for undergraduate researchers to present their work in a truly global setting. What makes it unique is the way it connects students across different disciplines and countries through a virtual conference format, enabling rich discussions and networking opportunities without the barriers of travel. The emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration makes ICUR stand out as a place where new ideas can flourish and students can gain confidence in their research skills.

Just like Reinvention, ICUR prides itself on its focus on interdisciplinarity in research. Why do you think that’s important to the conference’s overarching philosophy?

Hesper: ICUR’s overarching philosophy is to provide an inclusive research community where student has a leading voice, to promote interdisciplinary research and internationalisation, and to support skill development (https://www.icurportal.com/about/icur-philosophy/Link opens in a new window). These aspects are complementary to each other. Interdisciplinarity brings together people with diversely different perspectives to inspire one another. The ability to make the most out of these conversations are highly transformative to both academic and professional contexts, as it requires audience awareness, communication skills, and networking skills.

Abi: Interdisciplinarity is essential to solving complex real-world problems. Many of the biggest challenges in research—whether in science, social policy, or the humanities—require collaboration across fields. ICUR fosters an environment where students can engage with different perspectives, find connections between disciplines, and develop a more holistic approach to their work. This philosophy not only enriches the conference experience but also helps shape researchers who are adaptable and open to collaboration in their future careers.

Any advice for students just starting their research career, who want to share their work for the first time?

Hesper: First of all, congrats for having conducted your own research project! Don’t be intimidated by the thought of explaining the significance of your research. While it would be amazing to make groundbreaking discoveries as an undergraduate, that's not necessarily the expectation. ‘Significance’ often simply means understanding where your work fits in the broader context of existing research. It’s about identifying what questions your research opens up and where it might lead in the future. Secondly, always consider your audience. [...] When you write or present, make sure your language is accessible so others can engage with your work. Presenting your research isn’t just about sharing what you’ve learnt, it’s part of the learning process. Sharing your ideas clearly helps others understand them better, and it also helps you refine your own understanding.

Abi: The best advice I can give is to go for it! Presenting at a conference like ICUR can feel daunting, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to grow as a researcher. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and engage with others in your field. Research is a continuous process, and every stage of it is worth sharing—whether you're presenting findings, discussing challenges, or exploring new directions. Embrace the experience, connect with peers, and enjoy sharing your passion with a wider audience.

Learn more about the journal and student research opportunities in IATL:

Are you a student interested in starting your research journey? Visit Student Research (warwick.ac.uk) 

Are you a member of staff interested in getting involved? Visit Student Research Staff Network Meeting (warwick.ac.uk)

Interested in publishing your research with Reinvention? Find out more at Reinvention: an International Journal of Undergraduate Research (reinventionjournal.org) or get in touch via reinventionjournal@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window