Participant Perspective
By: Neda Dalir, Assistant Researcher | University of Edinburgh, Scotland
I had the privilege of participating in the Annual Science and Policy Workshop, hosted by the International Institute for Environmental Studies, in Santiago in December 2023. It was my first time being in the southern hemisphere and it was truly a fantastic experience.
The workshop was an outstanding opportunity where we discussed challenges in critical mineral mining, industry issues, government policies, and environmental impacts. It was also a dedicated platform for students to showcase their research and foster potential collaborations on an international scale.
Image: Engaged audience at the IIES Science & Policy Workshop
This workshop provided me with a valuable opportunity for networking with colleagues from various institutions, universities, and external entities. The diverse gathering comprised of students and researchers hailing from countries such as Canada, Chile, the UK, Germany, Italy, Iran, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, China, Vietnam, and more.
During the first two days of the workshop, we were accommodated at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Santiago, a delightful establishment where I really enjoyed my stay.
The Graduate Student Forum took place in Puerto Varas, a charming city situated in the southern Chilean province of Llanquihue, within the Los Lagos Region. We were housed at Hotel Bellavista, situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, offering breath taking views of two majestic snow-capped volcanoes. We also had some amazing special events planned, including a group outing to the opening reception and seafood dinner.
Image: Group photo following a session by beautiful Lake Llanquihue in Puerto Varas
I had both an oral and poster presentation in this workshop, and the subsequent discussions were truly enriching. The feedback that I received was exceptionally positive, with the audience expressing admiration for the interesting and relevant nature of my topic, reinforcing my passion for the research. During the poster session, we enjoyed pleasant beverages and snacks, fostering a friendly setting for explaining and discussing our research with students, academics, and other participants.
I would like to thank IIES and the University of Edinburgh for providing me with the opportunity to share my insight on a topic that I am genuinely passionate about, and I hope to have the opportunity to attend future IIES workshops. I strongly recommend the annual IIES Science and Policy Workshop to anyone that is interested in environmental science. This workshop provides a unique and welcoming platform to broaden your perspective on various environmental issues. Additionally, it offers an outstanding opportunity to enhance academic connections, engage in networking, share knowledge, collaborate, and pave the way for future prospects.
