9.30-10.15
Registration & coffee
10.15-10.30
10.30-11.15
Navigating Academic Research: Reflections from a Personal Journey
Professor Foutse Khomh of Polytechnique Montréal reflects on the importance of developing a clear research vision and building strong, collaborative research networks. Drawing from personal experiences, he will discuss how aligning research goals with broader scientific and societal challenges can provide direction and impact. He will also share practical strategies for cultivating meaningful collaborations across disciplines and institutions. Through these reflections, the talk aims to offer insights into navigating the evolving landscape of academic research with intention, adaptability, and resilience.
11:30-12:45 Parallel sessions
Professor Ashkan Sami, Edinburgh Napier University
Dr Debbie Meharg, Edinburgh Napier University
Dr Areti Manataki, University of St Andrews
Prof Iain Atherton, School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University
13.00-14.30
14.45-15.45 Reverse vivas
Crafting museum social media for social inclusion work
Thresholds of Interpretation: Interfaces on the Periphery of Gameplay
In Quest of Information Security in Higher Education Institutions
The Student-Project Allocation Problem: structure and algorithms
Testing Deep Neural Networks Across Different Computational Configurations
Research on Deep Learning Models and Algorithms for Speaker Recognition
15.45-16.00
16.00-17.00
Self-Guided walk of Craiglockhart Hill
Work up an appetite before the Conference Dinner and stretch your legs with a scenic group walk around Easter Craiglockhart Hill. This is a much-loved local route offering sweeping views over Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills. It takes in a mix of grasslands and mature woodland and should take around 1 hour at a relaxed pace.
The walk will be informally led by student volunteers to help keep to the route. While popular, the route includes some steep sections, uneven terrain, and stretches without a formal path or that may be muddy depending on the weather.
For your safety and comfort, please wear sturdy footwear and bring weather-appropriate protection. You should bring a water bottle and any personal medication you require.
We’ll meet inside the conference venue at the reception area and finish near a bus stop with direct links to your accommodation and the conference dinner venue.
Note: This walk is suitable for participants with good general fitness. Participation is optional and at your own risk. Enjoy a refreshing break in nature and the chance to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting!
Foley Session
Explore the fascinating world of Foley, where sound can be designed to enhance film, TV, and everyday life. This interactive workshop will expose you to professional industry techniques used in popular media including Star Wars, A Quiet Place, and more. Step into the shoes of a Foley Artist and recreate the audio to a film excerpt in real time!
Led by Dr Iain McGregor, Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University specialising in interactive media design and auditory perception research.
Community Art Session
Cassandra Harrison is an artist and illustrator based in Edinburgh who will guide students to contribute to a large-form data visualization artwork based on their PhD and research experiences.
Selfies with the Social Robots
Drop in to meet some local robots, including Euclid, Nao, and Furhat. You’ll have a chance to see them in action, ask a few questions, and maybe even snap a selfie!
Led by Dr Carl Strathearn, Dr Jamy Li and Dr Emilia Sobolewska