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When the opportunity arose to Chair the Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Research Forum student committee UWA PhD candidate Jelena Rakovic couldn’t refuse. As an opportunity to learn from other committee members, it was a unique chance to attain knowledge that would further fuel her already impressive academic career.

Originally from Serbia, Jelena began her PhD at UWA in 2014. She has studied in England, Denmark and Spain, with scholarships to attend Universities including the Danish School of Education and University of Deusto, Bilbao.

“For me, education has always been a way towards personal freedom, development and enlightenment. It is a way to understand yourself and the world,” says Jelena.

“Having grown up in a war torn country, I feel privileged to be able to dedicate a few years of my life to disentangling the events that occurred and to understand how they influenced the way we were educated and formed as people. I see education as a means to outgrow the circumstances you find yourself in and develop as an individual.”

The Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Research Forum is an annual event hosted by the Graduate School of Education and supported by the Fogarty Foundation.

One of the motivations behind Jelena’s decision to be part of the organising committee is the opportunity it brings to research students in Western Australia.

“The committee members I have had the opportunity to work with are experienced teachers, researchers, academics and managers in education. We are from diverse backgrounds and cultures however, our passion for research and education is what has brought us together and made this such an enjoyable experience,” says Jelena.

“We all believe it is important for students like myself to talk about our research and receive feedback from the academic community. It keeps us focused and helps us improve.”

This year’s forum proves to be bigger and better than its early years with 21 applicants from different WA Universities participating in the forum.

Two presentation formats will take place this year.  “Ignite” - a short and powerful presentation on burning issues in education and “Insight” –a more detailed, in depth account of an education research topic.

“It is the Centenary of the Graduate School of Education and I am glad we are marking it with the largest forum yet.”

The Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Research Forum will take place Wednesday 30 November from 1pm to 5pm with light refreshments to take place after.

To register your attendance please visit the Graduate School of Education Centenary Page www.education.uwa.edu.au/centenary

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