Dr Sophie Orton writes about why the SSA’s PhD Symposium is a ‘must-attend event’ for PhD students in the field of addiction, and shares the opportunity to present at this year’s symposium.
The SSA’s PhD Symposium has been running for eight years and has become a must-attend event for PhD students researching substance use, gambling, and addiction. Each year, it offers a welcoming and supportive environment for early career researchers to present their work, build confidence in public speaking, and expand their professional networks.
Highlights from the 2024 event
Last year’s symposium was a resounding success. The organising team collected feedback from attendees, who praised the quality of the presentations and the opportunity for meaningful discussions with other addiction researchers.
“Great venue, friendly atmosphere, good variety of presentations, a space for PhD students to meet and chat.”
“The quality of the talks and discussion in the room was exceptional, particularly for an early career researcher event. I think the format and length and mixture of presentations and workshops made for a very engaging day.”
“It was really nice having this opportunity to hear of other people’s projects and learn about valuable research that informed their studies, as well as receive feedback and interest in my own research project.”
One of the standout sessions on the programme was the interactive patient and public involvement (PPI) workshop, which gave PhD students hands-on experience in designing studies that feature PPI.
The post-symposium dinner at Puccini’s restaurant also proved to be very popular, bringing together delegates and organisers in a more informal setting to continue their discussions, share their experiences, and build long-term professional relationships.
Opportunity to attend in 2025
If you’re a PhD student looking to gain experience presenting your research, this symposium is designed for you. Submit your abstract by 28 May 2025 for the chance to be a speaker and find out how to claim up to £200 towards your expenses if you plan on attending both the PhD Symposium and Annual Conference.
We look forward to seeing you there.
by Sophie Orton
