2023 Summer research experience week programme successfully held
29 June 2023
2023 Summer research experience week - digital future
For the purpose of postgraduate programme promotion, targeting on those prospective PhD students, Graduate School hosted the Summer research experience week (SREW), a week-long research experience programme that aimed to offer undergraduate year 3 & 4 and Master students the opportunity to make the most of the summer to improve their academic research skills in an independent learning environment, develop their creative skills and enhance their application background. Over the course of the week, the SREW participants had the opportunity to hear from experts in the fields of Metaverse and AI, attend workshops on how to do research, and participate in sharing sessions on the PhD experience. They also had the chance to meet with potential supervisors and engage in extracurricular activities such as the Sanjiang cruise and museum visit.
Opening ceremony & Keynote speech on 12 June
On 12 June, the opening ceremony and a keynote speech took place in the New International Conference Centre, UNNC.
Prof. Alain Chong, Professor in Information Systems, Dean of Graduate School and Global Engagement, gave a brief introduction of 2023 Summer research experience week programme and welcomed all the participants from within and outside of UNNC.
Prof. Patrick Chau, Vice Provost for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Li Dak Sum Chair Professor in Information Systems and Operations Management, delivered a keynote speech on Do You Want to Be an Academic in University?
SREW group photo on 12 June
The research talks on Metaverse and AI provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments in these fields. The speakers shared their expertise and engaged with the audience, answering questions and sparking discussions.
- Research talk Understanding the Concept of the Metaverse and the Implications for Research, delivered by Prof. Eugene Ch’ng, Professor of Cultural Computing, Director, NVIDIA Joint-Lab on Mixed Reality, NVIDIA Technology Centre.
- Research talk Opportunities and Challenges in the Age of Artificial Intelligence delivered by Prof. Alain Chong, Dean of Graduate School and Global Engagement.
Research talk on 12-13 June
In addition to the research talks, workshops were designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake research effectively and efficiently. The workshops covered topics including developing research questions, conducting literature review, research methods, and writing up a research proposal. The participants were divided into six groups and were given the opportunity to work on a research project together, culminating in a group presentation that showcased their research findings.
The workshops provided a supportive and nurturing environment for SREW participants to learn and grow as young researchers.
PhD experience sharing session on 11 June
PhD experience sharing session was also held. Current PhD students from three faculties were invited to share their experiences and insights into the PhD journey. Nancy Lu, Domestic PG Recruitment Manager from Student Recruitment and Admission Office, provided detailed guidance to the SREW participants on how to apply for the postgraduate research programmes at UNNC.
SREW participants had the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable advice on how to prepare for and navigate the PhD process.
Meeting with potential supervisors on 15 June
Another important aspect of the programme was the meeting with potential supervisors. The SREW participants had the chance to meet with faculty members and discuss their research interests and goals. This was a valuable opportunity for them to explore research opportunities and build relationships with potential supervisors.
Final research showcase on 16 June
The group presentation was the final research showcase, providing participants with the opportunity to present their research findings to an audience of academics and fellow students. The presentations were informative and engaging, demonstrating the participants’ understanding of the research process and their ability to apply the skills and knowledge they had gained during the programme.
I learned so much from the workshops, seminars, and lectures that focused on the latest technologies and trends shaping our digital world. It was cool to meet other students with the same interests and make new friends. The hands-on research projects were a highlight for me as they gave me the chance to apply what I’ve learned and improve my research skills. The event broadened my horizons and made me even more excited about the possibilities of the digital future. Overall, it was a truly inspiring and valuable experience for my personal and academic growth.
This event not only gave me an insight into the impact of technological developments such as AI and metaverse on our lives and research, but also offered a first experience of the basic process of conducting scientific research. Thanks to the varied activities, I was able to appreciate the unique campus scenery and the ‘work hard, play hard’ culture in UNNC.
The research talks were particularly impressive, especially in the Q&A session,the professors’ answers to my questions were very inspiring and expanded the boundaries of my thinking…we also had the opportunity to communicate withprofessors from different disciplines, which is very helpful for academic research and Masters and PhD applications...I felt more confident about writing my undergraduate dissertation and applying for postgraduate courses in thefuture. SREW gave me a concrete experience of the reality of Masters and PhD research, and also strengthened my determination to pursue academic research in the future.
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