Written by Evija Colton. Edited by Tobias Constien.

This summer I had the privilege of attending and presenting my research at the International Congress for Infancy Studies (ICIS) in Panama City. It was an incredibly rewarding opportunity to contribute to international conversations in the field and connect with researchers from a wide range of backgrounds. ICIS is a large, international network that brings together researchers interested in early periods of development, from birth to the first three years of life. My research, which I presented at this conference, was focused specifically on the toddlerhood period and based on my undergraduate thesis that I conducted within the TEDDY Study at the UCD Babylab.

Attending such a big international conference, especially so early in my research career, was both daunting and incredibly exciting. Explaining the study to researchers who approached my poster, listening to their questions, and discussing possible interpretations was very different from presenting within a university setting. I learned so much, particularly the value of talking, and not just writing about your research. I was incredibly lucky to have had the support of my conference supervisor, Dr Áine Ní Choisdealbha from the UCD Babylab, who guided me through and ensured that it was a memorable experience.

One of the biggest benefits of being able to attend the conference was definitely the exposure it gave me to all the research being done within the field. On one hand, I found that I was able to talk to researchers who are exploring many of the questions that had first drawn me to developmental psychology. On the other hand, I was surrounded by so much research being done outside of my own project and research interests. I attended fascinating talks covering topics from parent-child interaction and executive functions to naturalistic observations and infant learning. Seeing researchers whose work I had previously encountered only through papers or academic discussions presenting their research in person made the field feel much more approachable and accessible.

Attending ICIS was made particularly meaningful by receiving an Undergraduate Travel Award, an award that supported my travel and attendance at the conference and was recognised during the closing awards ceremony at the conference in Panama. Receiving it was a very encouraging way to finish my undergraduate research experience, particularly because the project had been such a significant part of my final year at UCD. It also allowed me to participate in such a large-scale event that, as a student, I would otherwise have found much more difficult to attend.

All of these incredible opportunities aside, the highlight of the conference was definitely the conversations outside of the scheduled sessions, particularly with fellow undergraduates from around the world and inspiring researchers in the field of developmental psychology. Their support and encouragement offered invaluable insight and guidance for my future research interests. The conference left me feeling newly motivated and energised to begin my next research project at UCD, where I will continue exploring questions surrounding children’s development.