Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates took centre stage at this year’s Marine BioConnect Conference in Brisbane, with dedicated events designed to showcase their talent and strengthen their career pathways.
Villy Kotevski, a PhD candidate from Charles Sturt University, reflected on the experience and said “Sometimes doing a PhD can feel isolating, so being in a room full of people who are equally passionate about their work was really motivating. It reminded me why I chose this path,”.
“What stood out to me was the variety of projects presented, from aquaculture to biotechnology. It made me realise just how many ways marine resources can contribute to solving global problems.”, Villy said.
Villy was one of 11 HDR candidates who presented in the Next Wave Awards, delivering a powerful three-minute thesis-style presentation. The session highlighted the diversity of emerging projects, from seaweed bioproducts to sustainable aquaculture.
These Awards gave the HDR candidates the chance to practice vital skills in communication, pitching, and stakeholder engagement.
“Being part of the Next Wave Awards was nerve-wracking at first but also empowering. It reminded me that research isn’t just about working in the lab, it’s about sharing ideas and inspiring others.”, Villy said. “My PhD research focuses on using seaweed extracts to speed up the healing process of chronic wounds, which has the potential to deliver significant health benefits, improve quality of life, and reduce costs for the healthcare system.”.
HDR candidates also participated in a workshop on creating impact in industry-led research, where alternative ways to generate impact beyond a thesis or journal article were explored, focusing on ways that resonate with industry, government, and the community.
“I hadn’t thought about all the ways I could use to create impact and help improve the lives of people suffering from chronic wounds. I’m excited to take these ideas back to my research and start applying them,” Villy added.
These initiatives formed part of MBCRC’s Education and Training Program, which is equipping the next generation of researchers with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to translate their work into real-world impact.
The conference reinforced a central message: people are at the heart of building Australia’s future marine bioproducts sector.
