Learning Symposium Presentations and the UN SDGs
As part of the Global Health Learning Symposium, MSc Global Health students had the opportunity to present their scholarly paper or thesis work in a setting that replicates that of a research presentation at a conference. To facilitate this process, nine sessions, each with eleven concurrent breakout rooms, were planned over the course of the two-week Symposium. In these spaces, students presented and engaged in dialogue with their peers and were encouraged to consider how their projects align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Several elements were considered when designing these concurrent breakout rooms. Dr. Andrea Baumann, Associate VP of Global Health, explains that the SDG goals must be continuously integrated in McMaster’s and the Global Health Program’s research, teachings, and daily operations. In line with this goal, students were strategically organized into presentation groups that were organized by global health topics such as one health, refugee and migrant health, and infectious disease, and also by the SDGs. Subject matter experts and faculty members were present in each breakout room to facilitate the learning process and efforts were made to mix the students from different partnership universities so students would benefit from the unique perspectives of other participants.
This year’s MSc Global Health students’ Scholarly Paper presentations ranged in research topics pertaining to the United Nations’ 17 SDG goals. The top three SDG goals that students focused on were: Good Health and Wellbeing (42%); Reduced Inequalities (14%); and Gender Equality (7%).
Simulating a scientific conference experience, students received critical feedback from peers and faculty from several universities. Previous students found this format to be informative to their work as they embarked on a spring semester of completing their scholarly paper research or continuing their thesis projects. Similar to the previous year, students were able to garner a nuanced understanding of their own research within a global context while adding to their skillsets including that of presenting and critically analyzing their peer’s projects. The presentations provide students the chance to put into practice the skills gained in the program, engage and understand the SDGs, and collaborate with others in the global health field.
“The abstract presentation was an exciting opportunity to share the research I’ve been working on for months and receive constructive input from some of my colleagues. It’s a meaningful experience to have brilliant minds discuss the ways you can advance your research whilst also getting to hear about the amazing projects they’re working on.” Natasha Ross, McMaster University
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