

Sponsored by:
The 12th ACUR Conference took place on
2 – 3 December 2024
hosted by the Faculty of Science,
University of Sydney
Camperdown Campus
ACUR2024 focused on the student experience of undergraduate research and its importance for addressing global challenges and shaping future careers.
The theme of this years’ conference is Undergraduate Research in the Age of Adaptive Change and Artificial Intelligence.
The rise in the use of Artificial Intelligence has precipitated a pressing need to refocus on strengthening undergraduate students’ research skills. Undergraduate research provides students with first-hand experience of the uncertainty inherent in the discovery of new knowledge. It equips them with the critical thinking skills required to navigate an Artificial Intelligence landscape where telling fact from fiction is becoming increasingly difficult. Research experiences build students’ critical thinking and communication skills and strengthen their capacity to deal with the many challenges confronting contemporary society.
At the ACUR2024 Conference, we’re asking you to reflect on how your research connects with the challenges confronting contemporary society. Submit your abstract now and join the conversation this December with other students from across Australasia. We’re looking forward to hearing your contributions.
Final Program
For the Final Program, click on the image below.
Click on the below image to see full talk allocations, including Day 2 listings.
AGM Papers will be available here on Tuesday 3 December
Prizes
Best Oral Presentation – Winner $1000 (sponsored by Western Sydney University)
Minha Lee
Western Sydney University
Longitudinal Assessment of Medical Students’ Perceptions of Social Isolation and Wellbeing: A 5-Year Analysis of FRAME Surveys (2017-2022)
Best Oral Presentation – Runner Up $500 (sponsored by University of Technology Sydney)
Tommy Lu
University of Sydney
A Machine Learning Paradigm for mRNA Display Selection
Best Poster Presentation – Winner $500 (sponsored by University of Technology Sydney)
Kendall Stead
Macquarie University
Decoding Attention Lapses in Dynamic Environments: Insights from EEG and Multivariate Analysis
People’s Choice Best Poster Presentation – Winner $250 (sponsored by Western Sydney University)
Asmitha Sivaneswaran
Macquarie University
Digital Psychological Interventions in Youth with Neurological Conditions: Systematic Review
The HERDSA Prize for Best Education Presentation – Winner (sponsored by HERDSA)
Claudia Bonaccorso
Macquarie University
Educator Gesture Use and Infant-Educator Conversational Balance in Australian Long-Day Care Centres
The 2024 ACUR Undergraduate Research Staff Award – Winner
Professor Kevin Brooks
Director of Research Training and Partnerships
Macquarie University
Here’s what students had to say about the conference:
“I’m thrilled to share that I had the incredible opportunity to present my undergraduate research at the Australasian Council for Undergraduate Research (ACUR) and UTS’s Faculty of Science FoSTER2024 conference as part of my research internship! This experience has been a rewarding journey of learning, collaboration, and growth.”
“The research was interesting, especially as almost all of it pushed me outside my comfort zone, but the best part was definitely the people.”
“I loved getting to learn more about different research areas and meeting fellow students with an interest in research! A highlight was dinner on the first night (3 courses!??). Thank you to everyone who contributed to the conference running so smoothly.”
See below for accommodation options
Travelling to the University of Sydney
For those travelling to the University of Sydney, there are lots of public transport options. Central and Redfern train stations are a short walk away (approx. 20min), and there are plenty of buses that travel down Parramatta Rd, or City Rd from Central. For those travelling from interstate, you’ll need to tap on/tap off with an Opal Card or Credit card on buses and trains (or any other form of public transport).
Parking Options
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We recommend avoiding on-site parking due to its limited availability and high cost. If you are driving, we suggest using the Seymour Centre Car Park, which is the most convenient and affordable option for attendees. Please note that some other car parks may only be available to staff, and it can be unclear which are open to the public. We’ve found that the Seymour Centre Car Park is the best choice for non-staff parking.
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The QR interactive map below is a helpful tool for navigating the venue and surrounding area. However, it dos not specify which car parks allow
non-staff parking.
Nearby Eating Options
If you’re staying close to campus and looking for good restaurants, there are some fabulous options along King St, Newtown, and Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. If you’re looking to stock up on groceries, you can also find a Coles or Aldi at Broadway Shopping Centre.
The Best Coffee on Campus
While we’ll supply coffee and tea at the conference, if you’re looking for a barrister coffee, there are plenty of good options on campus. Taste at New Law (F10) and Ralph’s at The Arena Sports Centre are both good options and located close to the conference venue.
Presentation Formats
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Oral presentation: 10 minutes with 5 minutes for Q&A with audience, including judges. (see Oral presentation guidelines)
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Poster presentation: prepare a short pitch (3-5 mins) and expect to field some questions. (see Poster guidelines)
Abstract Submission Eligibility Criteria
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is open to all undergraduate students and recent graduates including Honours students (within 12 months of Graduation at Bachelor’s level) to present research conducted during or before undergraduate studies including extra-curricular research;
NB: Students are required to certify that their research is their own work based on their personal study and/or research while an Undergraduate, Honours or Master of Research (1st year) student. -
is open to both individual and group submissions;
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adopts an inclusive approach to undergraduate research which encourages participation from all disciplines, all levels of study and all types of higher and tertiary education institutions.
To see more abstract guidelines, please click here.
Abstract Submissions closed
Registrations – 2024 rates
After 13 November 2024 Full Rate AUD $140 (incl. GST)
Registrations Close 19 November 2024
All students who register for the conference will receive a complimentary one-year ACUR student membership.
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Proposed timeline 2024:
What |
When |
Abstracts: First call |
20 September |
Abstracts: Deadline |
extended to 8 November |
Abstracts reviewed |
rolling acceptance – after submission of abstract |
Abstracts: Final Notification of acceptance |
11 November |
Registrations: Portal opens |
4 October |
Registrations: Early bird registration |
by COB 12 November |
Registrations: close |
19 November (2 weeks to conference) |
Conference |
2-3 December |
Accommodation Options
The links below provide information to request a booking
Women’s College
Reduced rates for ACUR2024 can be obtained by filling out and sending this form.
Sancta Sophia College
https://www.sanctasophiacollege.edu.au/events-and-accommodation/accommodation/
Other possibilities close to the Campus (can be booked directly or people can look for better rates through booking agencies such as Bookings.com, Wotif, TripAdvisor etc):
Youth Hostel Australia
https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/nsw/sydney-surrounds/sydney-central-backpackers-hostel/
Newtown is within walking distance of the Conference venue.
https://newtowncozystays.com.au/index
Hotels within walking distance
Rydges Camperdown
https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/camperdown/
Please help us promote the conference
– download a copy of the flyer below and put up on your campus noticeboards
