The very first EWB-UK National Research Conference was held at the IStructE in London on 18th April 2008 and was attended by over 70 delegates from a wide range of universities and organisations. The conference showcased EWB-UK Research Projects’ highlighted from around the country, and enabled communication between students, academics and development professionals. The day included talks and discussion sessions, with key speakers from some of the leading UK universities and engineering development projects.

A review of the day was written by our EWB-UK Publicity team, and we hope that many new relationships and discussions will continue as a result of this event.

The days proceedings:

• Hayley Sharp, EWB-UK Reserach Coordinator started with a welcome note to everyone at the conference and introduced the EWB-UK Research Programme
• Dr Sue Doran from the IStructE welcomed the audience to the institue
• Dr. Heather Cruickshank from the Centre of Sustainable Development at The University of Cambridge spoke about The Importance of Research in Engineering for Development
• Neil Jeffery from International Development Enterprises (IDE) spoke about their work with enterpirse in development; Poor Farmers are Customers Too
• Discussion groups of students, academics, professional engineers and NGO representatives were posed with the question regarding the motivation and barriers of all stakeholders in carrying out research projects as part of a university degree, PhD or branch project. The outcomes of this session stimulated many great ideas that the EWB-UK Research Team will fully engage with in order to add to the successes of the programme so far
• The delegates spilt into two groups to take part in one of the following:
  • Energy Showcase
  • Aran Eales from V3 Power presented on Energy from Wind Turbines
  • Nigel Vaz, 4th Year Undergraduate at The University of Cambridge, spoke about his EWB-UK Bursary funded project and current research project on The Dissemination of Improved Cooking Stove Technology in Nepal
  • Habitat & Industry Showcase
  • Zareen Sethna, 4th Year Undergraduate at The University of Cambridge, spoke about her Sustainability Approach to Standards for Rammed Earth Construction in Bhutan
  • Dr. Andy Young from Sheffield Hallam University presented his integrated projects on Ecohouses
• Ron Dennis from Developing Technologies (DT), based at Imperial College London, discussed their projects on Low Cost Ambulance Services for Rural Areas of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Dr. Stephen Gundry from The University of Bristol presented his research groups work on the Aquatest, looking at Why We Test Water in Developing Countries
• Mariel John, Co-Founder of engINdia presented their work on Supporting Sustainable Engineering in Pabal
• A closing note was made by the EWB-UK CEO, Thalia Konaris after which everyone was invited for refreshments to meet with more of the conference delegates

Throughout the day several current EWB-UK research projects were showcased and the students involved were available to discuss them further with delegates.

Overall, the Research Team feel that the conference was a great event enjoyed by all those that participated and hopes that it is just the start to many important relationships that can develop the growing and inspiring EWB-UK Research Programme. We hope to see many more of you at the Research Conference 2009!