UCL student Vivien Lee tells us about her experience presenting at the GISRUK 2025 Conference

“Presenting at my first academic conference was both nerve-wracking and thrilling, but ultimately an unforgettable experience.

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to present my undergraduate dissertation at the 33rd Annual GIS Research UK (GISRUK) Conference, held at the University of Bristol. The conference showcased a wide range of diverse topics, from biodiversity and artificial intelligence to the safety of women, all unified by one central theme – the application of GIScience. Presenting my work in front of such accomplished industry experts with decades of experience was challenging, especially during the live Q&A session. However, it was immensely rewarding to engage in thoughtful discussions that offered valuable insights on how to improve my research.

The variety of topics also made it tough to decide which of the four parallel sessions to attend, but it was a fantastic opportunity to explore the vast breadth of GIScience beyond my own area of interest. One highlight was Professor Adam Dennett’s presentation on GIS vs The City Council, which I found deeply inspiring. His work demonstrated how research can drive social impact from the ground up. One quote shared at the conference that resonated with me was: “Think about the impact of the work you do.” Though I may never reach the heights of someone like David Rhind or any of the other incredible speakers, I aspire to create work that drives positive change and inspires others along the way.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Justin van Dijk for his unwavering encouragement and support throughout the submission process for GISRUK. I am also immensely grateful to GeoDS, especially Professor Paul Longley, for sponsoring my experience. Additionally, I’m thankful to the postgraduate students Mikaella, Rob, Shunya, Michal, and Luc from the Department of Geography for their support during the conference. It was a pleasure to be surrounded by such esteemed academics and to be introduced to the world of academia.”