The SETAC 13th Young Environmental Scientists (YES) meeting took place from the 11th to the 14th of August in York, United Kingdom. Katharina Wifling and I, Verónica Rodriguez, attended the conference to present our research. Katharina presented a poster based on her RPC, while I presented a poster on my master’s thesis.
We had the chance to take part in engaging and productive workshops. One offered very practical advice on how to present with confidence, while another, designed in the style of an escape room, introduced us to the topic of land assessment. Both were not only informative but also great fun.
In addition to the workshops, we attended talks from academic and industry speakers, joined presentations from colleagues, and, of course, shared our own research. The conference created a safe and open space for discussion, and we participated in many stimulating conversations, not only about specific scientific topics but also about the broader challenges of being a researcher. During the final keynote, Dr. Sabine E. Apitz, the speaker, was asked what advice she would give to young researchers, and her answer was simple: to network. This meeting offered the perfect opportunity for that. Talking to people with similar research but different backgrounds, as well as those working on entirely different topics, gave us fresh perspectives and ideas to bring back to our own work.
The program was not only filled with academics, but also leisure activities such as a pub quiz on the first evening and a student party on the second night. These gave us the perfect chance to bond with peers. Between sessions, we also found time to explore York and connect with other attendees. The city itself made the experience even more memorable: narrow streets lined with small shops, impressive historic buildings, and, thanks to the sunny weather, stunning sunsets. When the golden light hit the sandstone walls, the whole city seemed to glow.
What benefited us most from the conference was seeing how passionate everyone was about their research. The speakers also showed genuine excitement for us as we begin our careers and were very supportive. Ultimately, it was the shared enthusiasm that made the meeting so valuable.
Overall, attending the YES meeting was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was inspiring to meet so many people deeply dedicated to their work and exciting to see the diversity of research across universities. I left York feeling energized, motivated, and full of ideas. I am already looking forward to the next opportunity to attend a SETAC meeting.