Nastaran Zoghi was awarded a Rideal Travel Bursary to attend the SupraLife Third School: Supramolecular Multifunctional Biomaterials conference held in Aveiro, Portugal. Here she tells us about her highlights from the conference. Read her report below.
"I am immensely grateful to the SCI-RSC Rideal Trust for their support through the Rideal Travel Bursary, which enabled me to attend the SupraLife Third School: Supramolecular Multifunctional Biomaterials conference held in Aveiro, Portugal. The event was a remarkable opportunity to immerse myself in the latest developments in the field of supramolecular biomaterials and expand my knowledge on emerging research in peptide-based systems.
"The conference attracted over 200 researchers from around the world, covering a wide range of topics including peptide self-assembly, biomaterials for drug delivery, and innovative characterisation techniques. The sessions provided comprehensive insights into the various applications of supramolecular materials in biomedicine, sustainability, and beyond. This exposure to cutting-edge research has significantly broadened my understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of the field.
"As part of the event, I had the honour of presenting my work as an oral presentation titled " Influence of end-Residue on the Properties of Self-Assembled β-sheet Peptide Hydrogels ". This was an excellent opportunity to share my research with an international audience and engage in meaningful discussions with experts in the field. The feedback I received was invaluable, offering new directions for my research and helping me refine my approach to the study of peptide hydrogels. Additionally, the interactions I had with fellow researchers and the feedback from the audience have strengthened my communication skills, enabling me to better present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
"The conference also gave me the chance to connect with potential collaborators and discuss future research opportunities. I had insightful conversations with experts working on similar themes, which will undoubtedly help me as I progress through my PhD at the University of Manchester. Networking with attendees from various institutions and industries has opened up potential pathways for collaboration, and I am excited to see how these discussions might evolve in the future.
"Attending this conference has not only enhanced my scientific knowledge but also strengthened my professional skills. The experience has reinforced my passion for advancing supramolecular biomaterials and my commitment to contributing to this evolving field. I am now more inspired than ever to continue my research on peptide-based materials and pursue further academic and industry collaborations.
"I would like to once again express my gratitude to the SCI-RSC Rideal Trust for their generous support. Their contribution made it possible for me to attend this prestigious event, and I am looking forward to applying the insights and connections gained to further my research career."
Nastaran Zoghi
PhD student
Department of Materials, University of Manchester
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