Bentham Brooks Institute Society: Head of Research

Dear BBI members,

I’m thrilled to nominate myself for the position of Head of Research. Through your support, I wish to redefine the landscape of student-led research at UCL and bring fresh ideas to the table, fostering compelling and groundbreaking research.

As a current Research Team Lead, I abide by the BBI’s core principle of bringing students at UCL closer to research. Aside from this experience, my role as a writer and editor for the Diplomacy Society and Asiatic Affairs Society reinforces my research skills and ability to guide others on their research initiatives. These experiences showcase my research capabilities and ability to help others out with their research.

I'm also excited to incorporate the following ideas:

1. More Inclusion for Non-Researchers

I understand that many prospective members cannot commit to long-term research initiatives. I intend to schedule workshops with guest speakers (such as think tank researchers) that will be open to both research members and non-researchers interested in learning more about research and think tank jobs.

2. Multidisciplinary Research Initiatives

Though BBI is essentially a student-run think tank at UCL, I hope to set up the option of working with students from other universities on multidisciplinary research initiatives. Through these partnerships, BBI would be able to reach a wider audience and enable its members to work on more varied research projects with students from other student-run think tanks in London.

I am running for Head of Research because I am confident in my ability to reinvigorate our already great research program, and implement new and exciting initiatives.

My prior experience as one of the Research Team Leaders for the Bentham Brooks Society has equipped me with a deep understanding of our organization's dynamics. I have successfully managed research initiatives, fostering collaboration and ensuring high standards of our projects. 

If elected, I am committed to increasing engagement with the society. One of my key goals is to streamline and enhance the process of publishing our research journal. This includes establishing a structured editorial process, collaborating with professionals in academic publishing, and ensuring that our members' outstanding work receives the recognition it deserves.

Moreover, I am eager to explore new avenues for research. I want to host an annual research symposium where members can showcase their findings. This event will not only celebrate our accomplishments but also provide networking opportunities with external stakeholders. I also want to launch a mentorship program where experienced researchers guide and support newer members. This initiative aims to create a supportive environment for skill development and collaboration. I am excited to serve as your Head of Research, and I look forward to working with all of you.

If you have any questions about my candidacy or plans for the upcoming year if elected, please reach out!

As a current research member, I believe strongly in the importance of BBI as an early gateway to the world of research—I personally joined because I wished to learn how to translate my analytical and research skills from English Literature to politics, and I view BBI as the perfect vehicle for UCL students to use their honed academic skills for the pragmatic benefit of the world. My past leadership experiences as Editor-in-Chief of my school's magazine and Senior Editor of the international organisation XS News have also given me valuable skills in managing student teams as we work towards a common goal.

If elected Head of Research, I want to elevate BBI's research by ensuring we actively contribute to academia and fill pressing gaps in knowledge. I would work with the committee to develop an initiative translating our research findings into actionable policy recommendations, and look into partnering with policymakers to ensure that the society's research has a meaningful impact on real-world issues.

I would also facilitate more intellectual exchange between different research teams, organising events for teams to informally present their works-in-progress to foster collaborative criticism and encourage teams to refine their projects. From my own experience in the team, I truly believe transitioning from an independent process to a more team-driven process across the entire society would benefit both the quality of our research and our sense of community.