Scotland’s research and engineering community continues to deliver work with real global relevance—from net zero and offshore innovation to digital systems, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and the wider applied sciences. For students and early-career researchers, one of the most effective ways to accelerate development is to engage with credible international forums that strengthen research communication skills, expand professional networks, and provide interdisciplinary feedback.
With that in mind, I would like to highlight IFoRE (International Forum on Research Excellence), powered by Sigma Xi, as a valuable opportunity for young researchers in Scotland who want to present their work, build confidence, and connect with an international community.
IES has kindly agreed to help promote this initiative by sharing this article through its channels. This article is written in my personal capacity and I will act as the main point of contact for enquiries.
What is IFoRE?
IFoRE is a multidisciplinary forum that brings together students, early-career researchers, and established professionals across science, engineering, and related fields. It typically includes keynote talks, thematic sessions, professional development content, networking, and structured opportunities for student presentations and recognition.
A key benefit of IFoRE is that it is designed for an interdisciplinary audience. That matters because many of the challenges Scotland’s researchers work on—energy transition, climate resilience, offshore systems, AI-enabled engineering, sustainable materials, health technologies—rarely fit neatly into one discipline.
Why IFoRE can be especially valuable early in your career
1) Stronger research communication (the skill that unlocks opportunities)
Early-career progress often depends on how clearly you can explain your work—problem, method, results, limitations, and relevance—to people outside your immediate specialism. IFoRE’s multidisciplinary setting encourages you to develop that “core story” in a way that helps with:
- PhD and postgraduate interviews
- Funding and scholarship applications
- Industry R&D roles and innovation pathways
- Conference confidence and professional credibility
2) Professional formation, not just presentation
Participating in forums like IFoRE is not only about presenting results. It helps you practise:
- turning complex work into a structured narrative
- producing concise slides and abstracts
- responding calmly and credibly to questions
- making connections that can shape your next steps
3) International connections, wider perspectives
Scotland’s universities and research centres are excellent, but your career benefits from being visible beyond your institution. International forums provide access to new collaborators, adjacent disciplines, and mentors who can help you see your work—and your career options—more broadly.
4) Practical accessibility
Where virtual participation is available, it can reduce travel and cost barriers. For students and early-career researchers, that can make the difference between “interesting” and “possible.”
Who in Scotland should consider applying or attending?
This opportunity may be particularly useful for:
- Undergraduate researchers completing dissertations or research projects
- Postgraduate researchers seeking broader exposure and feedback
- Early-career professionals building a research and innovation profile
- Anyone working in multidisciplinary areas (engineering + computing, energy systems, materials, offshore/maritime, health technologies, AI applications, sustainability, etc.)
A simple preparation checklist (useful for IFoRE and beyond)
If you are considering IFoRE—or any research forum—preparation matters more than perfection. Three practical items will raise your readiness quickly:
- A short abstract (what problem, what method, what result, why it matters)
- A 10-slide deck that tells a complete story to a mixed audience
- A 2-minute explanation in plain language
Even if you decide not to present this year, building these three items will improve your research communication and readiness for future opportunities.
How IES members and experienced engineers could support students (optional but powerful)
One of the most practical ways to help young researchers is simple: mentoring and feedback.
If there is interest, a light-touch approach could work well, for example:
- a one-hour online “practice session” where a student rehearses a short talk and receives feedback
- matching students with experienced engineers for a single review of their abstract/slides
- a small panel session on “how to present to mixed audiences”
These are low-effort, high-impact actions that strengthen students’ confidence and professionalism quickly. If you are an IES member willing to support in this way, I would be pleased to coordinate expressions of interest.
Next steps
To learn more about IFoRE, please visit:
https://www.experienceifore.org/
If you are a student or early-career researcher in Scotland and would like guidance on how to prepare a submission or presentation pack (abstract + slides + short spoken summary), you are welcome to contact me directly.
Contact
Amro Heikal, IES Fellow and Council Member
Website www.engineers.scot
Note: This article is intended to highlight an opportunity for students and early-career researchers. It is written in the author’s personal capacity. The Institution of Engineers in Scotland is supporting promotion of this initiative by sharing this article, but does not provide a direct endorsement or retain control over future content or direction.
By Amro Heikal IES Fellow and Sigma Xi Member, IFORE Planning Committee member