Blog
UKERC Participation in RD20 Summer School 2024
26 Sep 2024
The RD20 summer school provided a rich itinerary for us to get involved in, all under the topic “Diversity of Knowledge on Decarbonisation in Just Energy Transition Mechanism”. There were plenty of activities to participate in, including technology parks in Indonesia, site visits and lectures concerning clean energy technology. 60 researchers from all over the world also ran a discussion about potential issues and solutions in the construction of Nusantara, the new capital of Indonesia.
For me, one of the sessions that impressed me the most in the summer school was the poster session. When we submitted our poster ten days in advance, I didn’t expect that the poster session could be so impactful for me. It encouraged us present our research and engage with peers in a different way to the traditional showcase format.
Weize Wu and other early career researchers
On the afternoon of day one, 30 early career researchers from the UK, USA, Canada, Japan, and Indonesia were invited to do a 2-3 minute presentation to introduce their undergoing research based on the poster submitted. Among them were three early career researchers supported by UKERC. One hour-long presentation session provided a general understanding of the work that other researchers are doing, including the topics of renewable energy production, energy carriers and storage, hydrogen and fuel cells, carbon capture, life cycle analysis, critical materials, and socio-economic dimensions of the clean energy transition.
In my opinion, the approach combining poster sharing with brief presentations worked better than traditional poster sessions. We often stand by our posters and wait for participants to come and discuss with us, but there is no doubt that it would have limited interactions and to only a few in-depth discussions. But at the RD20 summer school, the “Presentation and Display” model could ensure that every participant had the opportunity to present their research to the entire group. This could build foundation for more meaningful interactions during a poster display session.
On days two and three of summer school, our posters would display around the meeting room, which could be discussed in-depth during the break. Pre-presentation work helped researchers have a better understanding of the research, which led to more focused and productive discussions. Moreover, the brief presentations helped break down the barriers that often exist in traditional poster sessions, where researchers might hesitate to approach a poster they are unfamiliar with. Everyone felt more comfortable engaging with each other’s work, leading to a more collaborative and supportive environment.
Many researchers showed interest in my study, leading to valuable feedback and suggestions. Scholars from Canada provided their different perceptions of food loss and waste. Scholars from Indonesia shared with me the difficulties of data collection in food cold chain energy research in their countries. Potential technology solutions that could be applied into cold chain were also highlighted. And I also emphasised the important role of a whole-system perspective in food cold chain decarbonisation research, which also plays an important role in addressing the energy system transition. These interactions provided new perspectives and ideas for both their research and my own. Interdisciplinary and cross-regional academic exchanges are necessary in academic research.
Weize Wu presenting his posters
Presenting to an international audience certainly boosted my confidence. It improved my ability to convey complex ideas clearly and the feedback was instrumental in refining my research. Discussions often extended beyond specific research, sparking brainstorming and potential collaborations.
The experience also taught me the importance of concise communication. Condensing my research into a short introduction forced me to distill the most critical aspects of my work, which is a valuable skill in any professional setting.
Researchers at the Indonesian Science Park presenting research on bioenergy
The supportive environment allowed me to connect with peers and other early career researchers. Engaging with them broadened my understanding of clean energy technologies and inspired innovative thinking. It was about building a community of researchers dedicated to advancing clean energy technologies. The exchange of ideas reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and whole-system consideration in tackling global challenges.
In conclusion, the RD20 Summer School poster session was an exceptional experience that provided invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. In Jakarta, we also experienced Indonesian national costumes, food and watched a Southeast Asian dance at the welcome dinner. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated.