Bridging Research and Real-World Impact
Highlights from the 2025 Business School Student Research Conference
On Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, the Business School at Edinburgh’s Craiglockhart Campus came alive with energy, insight, and innovation as postgraduate researchers gathered for the annual Student Research Conference. This hybrid event brought together on-campus attendees and remote participants to explore how student-led research is addressing global challenges. This year’s conference marked a renewed emphasis on the role of doctoral research in tackling global challenges. With a unifying focus on societal impact and sustainability, the programme highlighted how doctoral candidates are applying their research to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Setting the Tone: A Thought-Provoking Keynote
The day began with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Alex Hope, Deputy Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor and Associate Professor of Responsible Business at Northumbria University. Dr. Hope brought a powerful and timely message to the room: that business schools have a moral and strategic responsibility to place organisational responsibility and accountability to society and the planet at the core of what they do. As a global board member of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) and Co-Chair of its Climate Change and Environment Working Group, Dr. Hope offered a rich overview of the seven core principles of PRME. These principles challenge higher education institutions to embed values such as sustainability, ethics, and inclusion into all aspects of teaching, research, and organisational practice. Beyond theory, Dr. Hope emphasised practical action, discussing how students and institutions can access seed funding to support projects aligned with PRME’s mission.
The keynote set the tone for the day by reinforcing that business research is not just about commerce – it’s about contributing to a better, fairer, and more sustainable world. It was a clear reminder that doctoral researchers are not just scholars in training, but also early-career changemakers.
Doctoral Research That Has Impact
More than 40 research projects were featured throughout the day in a mix of presentations and posters, offering a vibrant snapshot of the breadth and depth of doctoral inquiry taking place within the Business School. Organised around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these projects explored real-world challenges through creative, critical, and often interdisciplinary lenses — reinforcing the school’s commitment to research that delivers meaningful societal impact.
🧠 SDG 3 & 4: Good Health and Well-Being; Quality Education
Projects explored how individuals experience belonging, meaning, and support in healthcare and education. Topics ranged from workforce wellbeing to inclusive learning environments and cultural adaptation in global education.
📈 SDG 8 & 9: Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Research focused on the future of work, from AI in HR and talent strategy to leadership bias, post-IPO success, and digital marketing in tourism. Several studies examined resilience, innovation, and growth in challenging contexts.
🌍 SDG 11 & 12: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production
Themes included sustainable logistics, circular economy adoption, and community-building in digital and creative industries. Many projects considered how values and systems can support more equitable and sustainable ways of living.
🌿 SDG 13: Climate Action
Climate-focused work addressed green skills, net-zero transitions, sustainable agriculture, and corporate ESG reporting. Projects reflected urgent efforts to understand, measure, and manage sustainability across sectors.
Fast-Paced Ideas: The Three-Minute Thesis Competition
A crowd favourite at this year’s conference was the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where postgraduate researchers were challenged to explain the essence of their PhD research in just three minutes — using only one static slide and no jargon. Originating from the University of Queensland, the format has grown into a global showcase of research communication skills. The TBS 3MT was not only a competition but a chance to tell a story clearly and connect with a non-specialist audience. Hosted by Anthony Emebo, the session inspired participants to present their complex ideas in a way that resonated with fellow researchers, staff, and guests alike.
The 2025 3MT Finalists
- Chiagoziem Ozoani (pictured below with Professor Eoin Plant O’Toole, Head of Research Degrees) took home the 1st place prize with his presentation on Developing a Process Model for Sustainable Logistics Management in Irish Firms. His compelling pitch showed how sustainability and value creation can go hand-in-hand in the logistics industry to build greener business models.
- Mohammed Bafaqeeh, the runner-up (below with Eoin and Dr Renata Osowska), impressed the judges with his work on Tribalisation in the Esports Industry. He explored how identity and brand loyalty form deep community ties in esports. His delivery highlighted the commercial and cultural significance of these modern digital “tribes.”
Congratulations also to:
Asma Qazi delved into sustainable development and agricultural practices in rural Pakistan. Her research shed light on how cultural and social factors affect knowledge sharing in farming communities.
Son Luong presented Individual Voices Matter, a timely study of conformity bias and leadership in the UK tech industry. She explored how groupthink and social pressure affect decision-making and inclusion, advocating for lateral leadership models that empower diverse perspectives.
Celebration and Recognition
The day concluded with a relaxed social event followed by the prize-giving ceremony, led by Dr. Eoin Plant-O’Toole, Head of Research Degrees. Awards honoured outstanding posters and presentations – a tribute to the hard work and impact of doctoral research at The Business School.
🏆 Presentation Prizes
- Year 1 Winner: Steven Halloren
- Year 3+ Winner: Qin Hui
- Overall Runner-Up: Mohammed Bafaqeeh
🏆 Poster Prizes
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- Year 2 Winner: Wajiha Rashid
- Year 4+ Winner: Kenan Wallace (not pictured)
- Overall Runner-Up: Son Luong
🏆 Three-Minute Thesis (3MT)
- Winner: Chiagoziem Ozoani (pictured above)
- Runner-Up: Mohammed Bafaqeeh (pictured above)
Looking Ahead
This annual event continues to be a key pillar of the doctoral research journey at Edinburgh Napier’s Business School, providing students with a platform to share, connect, and inspire. With its focus on sustainability and societal relevance, the 2025 conference confirmed the vital role research plays in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future, for all.