Physiological Symposium

The Physiological Symposium was first organised in 2022 from the vision of Dr Francesco V. Ferraro, Dr Callum Osler, and Dr Ruth Aston. It was driven by a desire to re-energise the research community following COVID-19 lockdowns, they envisioned a platform that would bring discussion and collaboration. This platform, the Physiological Symposium, brings together researchers, scholars, students, and members of the public with a shared interest in the field of physiology. 

The inaugural event in 2022 proved to be a resounding success, drawing an audience of 33 participants. The positive feedback from attendees and speakers solidified the organisers' commitment to making the symposium an annual event. As anticipated, attendance has steadily increased, reaching 60 participants by 2024. 

This growth reflects the increasing value the symposium offers to the research community. Student participation, in particular, has flourished. Eager to share their work, students have actively presented their research through posters and oral presentations, contributing significantly to the event's dynamic and engaging atmosphere. 

The organisers have prioritised creating a friendly and inclusive environment for all participants. Additionally, with the invaluable support of the Physiological Society, the symposium has consistently offered free access, ensuring inclusivity and maximising its reach. 

The University of Derby has successfully established itself as a hub for physiologists to discuss, explore and promote advancements in their field. The growing interest in the symposium year after year demonstrates its potential to become a permanent and valuable fixture within the calendar of the Physiological Society at the University of Derby. 

Our audience

The Physiological Symposium takes pride in fostering a diverse and engaged audience, mirroring the popular TED Talks format. This approach has successfully attracted a mix of participants, including current and former University of Derby students eager to learn from leading figures, scholars and international research seeking collaboration and discussion, industry professionals from relevant sectors gaining insights into cutting-edge research and potential partnerships, and members of the general public with a curious mind and an interest in the latest physiological advancements. 

Furthermore, the organisers hold strong to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles. This commitment translates into a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants and speakers. The selection process for speakers reflects these values, aiming for equal representation in terms of gender and socio-economic background. Finally, the captivating and accessible presentation style ensures that the talks are informative and enjoyable for the diverse audience attending the symposium.

Our themes

The Physiological Symposium's talks, delivered by esteemed doctor and professor-level speakers, delve into core themes outlined by the Physiological Society's Specialities Matrix. These themes encompass Respiratory Physiology (RESP), Health and Wellbeing (HW), Human Physiology (HP) and Teaching (TE). With the additional support of the University of Derby and its Sports and Exercise discipline area, the symposium strives to engage a broad audience encompassing students, lecturers and members of the public. 

Further enriching the discussions, past symposia have tackled topics like Research Methods, Artificial Intelligence and Ethics, demonstrating the event's commitment to exploring a diverse range of themes relevant to the field. 

The importance of sharing information

The Physiological Symposium offers a treasure trove of benefits for all participants. 

For students

This conference is your chance to shine! Present your research and gain invaluable feedback from experts. Network with other students and professionals - all experiences that will enrich your academic journey and boost your CV. 

For scholars 

Seeing constructive criticism to refine your research? Look no further! The symposium provides a platform to share your work with diverse perspectives, leading to potential improvements. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to connect with a wider research community for funding discussions. 

For the general public

Have you ever wondered about the latest advancements in physiology? The Physiological Symposium is your chance to learn directly from the leading experts themselves. Discover cutting-edge research and delve deeper into this fascinating field. 

For companies 

The symposium offers a unique platform for companies to showcase their work, expand their professional network, and engage in discussions that influence the future direction of research in the field. Do not miss this opportunity to connect and shape the future of physiology! 

What do our attendees enjoy most about the symposium?

'Everything was so positive'

'Presentations are involving and easy to comprehend by the public'

'It was also nice to hear from internals and the work ongoing at the University that I was unaware of'

'The variety of talks surrounding physiology and the opportunity to listen to both external and internal speakers, with a chance to hear our postgraduate and undergraduate students'

Access the Books of Abstract

• Physiological Symposium 2022
• Physiological Symposium 2023
• Physiological Symposium 2024