Three MBA Members had the unique opportunity to attend a prestigious international conference thanks to the Marine Biological Association (MBA) Student Bursary Programme.
The MBA Postgraduate Members were able to attend the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Perth, Australia, which provided valuable support and enabled them to network and learn from experts in the field.
Helen Hiley
Helen Hiley is a PhD student from University of the Highlands and Islands and Scottish Association for Marine Science.
She said: “It was a long way to travel, but after spending much of my PhD attending conferences online due to COVID, the opportunity to present my work and engage with science in person felt essential. This conference, the largest in the world focused on marine mammals, brought together over 1,300 people to share their research, and I was thrilled to be one of them.
In a world increasingly connected through the internet, it is easy to overlook the power of face-to-face interaction, but I truly felt that power during this conference. Initially accepted to present a poster, I was delighted to be offered a talk slot just weeks before the event. Presenting my work to a live audience was invaluable, not only for my personal development as a researcher, but also for disseminating my work to the wider scientific community.
The conference was filled with inspiring talks and passionate individuals, highlighting the crucial importance of collaboration—not only within our field of research but also with other stakeholders. With species as challenging to study as marine mammals, sharing knowledge and working together are vital for meaningful progress. Collaborations begin with sharing experiences, asking questions, and building personal connections, and conferences allow just that. It was incredible to exchange ideas, forge new connections, and reconnect with old colleagues and friends.
Attending the conference was a powerful reminder of the value of in-person engagement in science and a meaningful step in my journey as a researcher. I am immensely grateful to the MBA for their support, which enabled me to be part of such an inspiring event.”
Maeva Terrapon
Maeva Terrapon is a student from the University of St Andrews.
She said: “I would like to thank the MBA for providing some financial support for me to attend this conference. Over 1500 attendees presented their most recent research results during this conference, which was held over the course of 5 days. Each day, two plenary speakers shared their insights on long-standing research projects across the globe and the challenges that our field must tackle in the light of climate change and rising anthropogenic pressures on marine mammals.
I have learnt a lot during these presentations, not only on methods and species I work with, but also on other types of work which could potentially complement or increase the outputs of my own research.
I have been able to have over 15 meetings with current and future collaborators, to discuss the state of projects nearing completion, but also to develop new partnership and larger contribution to region-wide collaborative projects. These meetings were instrumental in ensuring that the last months of my PhD will be going smoothly. It has also opened new doors for future opportunities such as potential post-docs.
I was able to join networking events such as the Meet & Greet event and the Closing Banquet, where I met scientists in my field who I can now refer to as friends. I also took this opportunity to visit some recommended tourist spots in the region, and was treated to beautiful beaches and fantastic wildlife, including birds, kangaroos and whales. Once again, thank you to the MBA for their support.”
Sara Torres Ortiz
Sara Torres Ortiz is a student from Magnus Wahlberg’s Lab at The University of Southern Denmark.
She said: “This funding provided me with an invaluable opportunity to share my research, connect with global experts, and gain new insights into marine mammal science.
During the conference, I had the unique opportunity to present my work in two occasions. The first one was a long oral presentation of my PhD research on dolphin memory during the conference, where I explored the cognitive capabilities of dolphins and their ability to retain and recall information. This generated great discussions with fellow researchers, leading to constructive feedback and potential collaborations to expand on this work.
I also participated in a workshop on cetacean sexual behaviour, which was particularly insightful. As part of this, I presented findings from my study on the sexual behaviour of harbour porpoises, conducted using drone-based observations. This innovative approach allowed us to gather previously inaccessible data on courtship and mating behaviours, offering a unique perspective on these elusive animals. The workshop promoted a rich exchange of ideas, and my presentation was met with enthusiasm, highlighting the potential of drones in behavioural studies in marine mammals.
Beyond my presentations, the conference provided a platform to network with leading researchers, discuss emerging methodologies, and engage in multidisciplinary conversations. Attending this event has broadened my perspectives, strengthened my research skills, and inspired new avenues of investigation.
I would like to thank the Marine Biological Association for their generous support, which made this experience possible. This bursary not only facilitated my professional development but also enabled me to contribute to advancing knowledge in marine mammal research. I am eager to apply these insights to my future work and share them within the scientific community.”
How to apply for an MBA Student Bursary
The MBA Student Bursary Programme aims to provide financial support to individuals pursuing higher education or research opportunities in marine biology. With a strong belief in the importance of empowering the next generation of marine scientists and educators, the MBA seeks to support aspiring marine biologists to achieve their academic and professional goals.
For more information about MBA bursaries, please visit our Student Bursary Application webpage or contact the Membership team at membership@mba.ac.uk.
Find out more and become an MBA Member today.
