Reflections on the 12th International Conference on Population Geographies by Abdul-Qadeer Khan (akhan29@qub.ac.uk), PhD candidate (GEDI Project), Queen’s University Belfast
From 30th June to 3rd July, I had the privilege of attending the 12th International Conference on Population Geographies. Held at the picturesque Riddel Hall at Queen’s University Belfast, the conference brought together researchers from across the globe to discuss the latest trends and findings in population geography. The conference had more than one hundred and thirty delegates from twenty five countries and represented over seventy institutions.
As a first-year PhD student (started in January 2024), my role was primarily to assist in ensuring the smooth running of the conference, alongside the conference Chair and local organising committee. This hands-on experience allowed me to witness firsthand the immense effort and dedication that goes into organising such an event. The local organising committee and the Chair of the conference, Prof. Gemma Catney, deserve enormous credit for their hard work, as the feedback was hugely positive. Attendees consistently remarked on the excellent organisation and the enjoyable atmosphere, which contributed to a productive and inspiring environment.
Conference sessions and themes
The conference featured sessions on various aspects of population geography. Topics included migration dynamics, rural and island mobilities, neighbourhood diversity, health and mortality, fertility, and population data and methods. Specific focuses were given to youth and education migration, ethnic and social segregation, social inequalities, life course trajectories, and internal migration. A poster session also provided opportunities to explore diverse research topics in Population Geography.
Personal experience and insights
While I didn’t present any research myself, the sessions I attended left me deeply inspired and motivated. The positive atmosphere and supportive environment fuelled my determination to advance my own research. I was particularly impressed by how data science (my academic and professional background) is revolutionising the field of population geography, enabling more nuanced and detailed analyses of historical and current trends.
Interacting with delegates from different countries was a highlight of the conference. Each discussion with delegates revealed fascinating research projects and methodologies, offering fresh perspectives and potential collaborations. It was an enriching experience to discuss the innovative ways in which data science is being applied to study population movements, demographic changes, and social dynamics.
My key takeaways and future directions
My main takeaways from the conference revolve around the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the transformative potential of data science in population geography. The insights gained from various sessions have provided new directions for my research, and I am eager to apply these learnings to produce meaningful outputs in the form of published articles and conference papers.
Gratitude and final thoughts
I am especially thankful to my supervisor, Prof. Gemma Catney, the chair of the conference, for involving me and allowing me to experience this early on in my career. Her guidance and support have been invaluable, and this opportunity has significantly enriched my academic journey.
The 12th International Conference on Population Geographies was a resounding success, thanks to meticulous planning and execution. The event not only provided a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas but also fostered a sense of community and support among researchers. A special mention must go to the venue staff at Riddel Hall, who were amazing and went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome and included. I particularly appreciated that the non-vegetarian option was Halal, which catered to diverse dietary needs. The food in general was great, but the dinner at the Titanic Hotel – on the second day of the conference was especially memorable.
Moving forward, I am committed to accelerating my research efforts and contributing to the vibrant field of population geography. For future conferences, I would recommend continuing to foster an inclusive and supportive environment, as this significantly enhances the overall experience for all attendees.
In conclusion, the conference was an invaluable experience that has left a lasting impact on my academic journey. I look forward to future editions of the International Conference on Population Geographies and the continued advancement of population geography.
Population Geography 