Graduate Student Forum 2025 | South Africa
The 8th International Graduate Student Forum will take place in Acornhoek, South Africa from April 10-12, 2025. The forum will allow graduate students from universities from around the globe to meet and discuss environmental research from various perspectives. Students will give short 5-minute presentations with two slides maximum to present an overview of their research accessible to people from different research backgrounds. Greater emphasis will be placed on discussion groups and professional development sessions, rather than the research results of an individual’s project.
The forum will be held in conjunction with the 9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa from April 7-8, 2025. Participants interested in attending both events must register for the workshop separately. Registration fees for both events will be covered for all participants.
To provide the optimum networking experience for participants, the number of registrations for the Grad Forum will be limited to 75 graduate students. We aim to have a proportional regional representation among attendees, allowing us to create a diverse and balanced environment that reflects various perspectives. Please note that submitting your registration does not guarantee acceptance into the forum, as participation will be determined based on available spaces and representation criteria. Priority for registration will be given to IIES/UNA members to ensure their active participation in the forum.
Some travel grants will be available to students from IIES member institutions. Opportunities are limited, so please register early. Students hoping to receive a travel grant for this trip must attend both the Science & Policy Workshop and the Graduate Student Forum.
Any faculty members interesting in attending the Graduate Student Forum can contact Raquel Scott () directly. As we have limited spots available, faculty attendance at the Grad Forum will be by invite only.
Organizing Committee
Professor Margaret Graham | Co-chair, Chair of Environmental Geochemistry, School of Geosciences, The University of Edinburgh
Professor Craig Sheridan | Co-chair, Director of Wits Water, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Professor Douglas Evans | Director, International Institute for Environmental Studies
Professor Huy Dang | Associate Professor, Trent School of the Environment and Department of Chemistry
Professor Tracy-Lynn Field | Professor, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Simone Dahms-Verster | Lecturer, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Professor Marleen Dekker | Scientific Director, Professor, Leiden University
Professor Martina Vijver | Scientific Director, Professor, Leiden University
Professor Piotr Szwedo | Associate Professor, Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Lena Helińska | Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Dr. Sabina Favaro | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Tamlyn Naidu | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Alechine Ameh | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Sarah Donoghue | Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Edinburgh
Raquel Scott | Operations Coordination, International Institute for Environmental Studies
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: January 24, 2025
Notification of Abstract Acceptance: February 7, 2025
Health & Safety Training (MANDATORY): TBD
Science & Policy Workshop: April 7-8, 2025
Graduate Student Forum: April 10-12, 2025
Workshop
Venue: University of the Witwatersrand
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: April 7-8, 2025
Grad Forum
Venue: Wits Rural Facility
Location: Acornhoek, South Africa
Date: April 10-12, 2025
Professional Development Sessions
SESSION 1
Design Workshop
Tentative Session Topics:
- Design Workshop
- Policy Discussion
- Public Communication of Research
- Animal & Plant Conservation Biology
*Check back soon for more information.
Important Information for Participants
PRESENTATION: 5-minute oral presentation (max 2 slides)
REGISTRATION: The cost of registration for students is FREE. Any faculty members interesting in attending the Graduate Student Forum can contact Raquel Scott () directly. As we have limited spots available, faculty attendance at the Grad Forum will be by invite only.
TRAVEL SUPPORT: Some travel grants will be available to students from IIES member institutions. Opportunities are limited, so please register early. Students who receive a travel grant must attend both the Graduate Student Forum and the Annual Science & Policy Workshop. Please register separately for these events.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodations and meals will be provided for all attendees of the forum.
HEALTH & SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants are important to us. Please be sure to read all of the information in the FAQ section below.
Please note: There will be a mandatory Health and Safety Training Meeting for all participants (online zoom meeting – cameras MUST be on). Information on this will be issued closer to the event date.
For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
If you have any questions or require any further information please contact:
Raquel Scott, Operations Coordinator, International Institute for Environmental Studies
Email: