With support from the Principal’s Go Abroad Fund, I was able to attend the European Seismological Commission’s 36^th General Assembly in Valletta, Malta in September. This was an incredibly important conference for me, as it was my first time giving an oral presentation to an international audience.

As I am in my final year of my PhD, it also allowed me to facilitate links with some of the most forefront seismologists. Presenting to a room full of these experts in my field was an invaluable experience for me to build on my public speaking, as well as hearing feedback to help me with my research, which will help me immensely as I finish my research. Initially I was incredibly nervous at the prospect of public speaking but having such a positive response from others at the conference has filled me with confidence to apply to do more oral presentations.

Alongside the conference, I was also able to explore the beautiful country of Malta. Other than exploring the capital city Valletta, I also took part in a day trip to the island of Gozo, as well as the ancient city of Mdina. Attending this conference would not have been possible without the help of the Go Abroad Fund, and so I am incredibly thankful that I was awarded this funding to represent the University of Edinburgh this way.

View of Malta from conference centre