Derby College Group hosts Outstanding Higher Education Inter-College Research Challenge

Derby College Group (DCG) is celebrating the success of its fourth annual Higher Education Inter-College Research Challenge, held at its beautiful Broomfield Hall campus, with students and staff alike hailing it as the most inspiring event to date.

The event welcomed over 115 attendees, including students and lecturers from land-based colleges and higher education institutions across the region. Students showcased their research skills through professional academic posters, delivered impressive seven-minute oral presentations, and added a creative twist with research-themed cakes and bread, bringing a unique flavour to the day.

Participants presented on a wide range of land-based subjects, from animal welfare and sustainable agriculture to biodiversity conservation and horticultural innovation. The competition gave students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate essential skills for their future careers, including public speaking, research interpretation, and peer collaboration, all in front of a supportive audience of their peers, lecturers, and industry professionals.

The day was further enhanced by keynote talks from respected industry experts Claire Hobson and Roberta Blake, whose insights into land-based careers and innovation were widely praised by both students and staff.

Stacey Higgs, Team Manager for Land-Based Higher Education at Derby College Group, said: “I am so proud of hosting our fourth Higher Education Inter-College Research Challenge, and it truly was the best yet! The standard of student work was phenomenal, from the professional posters to the outstanding research cakes and bread. Delivering a seven-minute oral presentation to a room of over 115 people is no small feat, and every student showed incredible resilience and professionalism.

The respect and camaraderie between students from different colleges and HE institutions was wonderful to see. It’s a testament not only to each individual but to the support of their lecturers, who continue to believe in their students’ potential and encourage them to aim high. I’m so grateful to our fantastic judges and to the whole team at Broomfield Hall for making this event such a success, their enthusiasm, creativity and teamwork never fail to amaze me.”

The event concluded with awards for Best Poster, Best Oral Presentation, and Best Baked Research Creation, with judges commending the high calibre of entries and the confident, engaging delivery from students throughout the day.

The Inter-College Research Challenge continues to grow year on year, providing land-based students from across the region with a valuable platform to share ideas, build professional networks, and develop vital career skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.