BUP Master Thesis Training 2026
The fifth edition of the Master Thesis Training (MTT) took place on 14-17 April in Uppsala. At the event, 30 master students representing 22 BUP participating universities took part.
The MTT is an opportunity for master's students to come together in an interdisciplinary and intercultural environment within the sphere of sustainability science. The event provides a chance for students to gain additional supervision from an expert on their thesis, expand their presentation and research skills, develop connections with students from all around the Baltic Sea Region and become better acquainted with academic perspectives.
For this edition, students had the opportunity to state their preferred supervisor/s in the application. Those selected to participate were then assigned to the supervisor who was most suitable for their work.
The participants photographed during the first day of the event. Photo: Pontus Ambros
Evaluation of the event
The evaluation was completed by 29 participants and the training received an overall impression score of 9.1/10. When compiling the results, it becomes clear that there were many appreciated parts of the event. Highly rated were the workshop 'Meta of research work', the online lecture 'First Impressions Matter - presentation skills', the lecture and workshop 'Beat procrastination and finish your thesis' and the lecture 'Sustainable Ideas Start with a Conversation Across Disciplines'. The students also gave high praise to both the food and accommodation, as well as to the BUP staff's support and communication in connection with the event.
Quotes from the evaluation
”My favourite part was the second day when we got to present and review our master thesis topics. It was so fascinating, I have learned new things that I would not have if I hadn’t met the fellow students here.”
”I really enjoyed how the event brought together such a diverse group of people (whether we look at ethnicity or at study field).”
”The best part of the event was in-person consultations with the supervisors. It was an insightful discussion regarding the improvement of the thesis draft.”
Organiser voice
”This year, we took a different approach to our Master Thesis Training, where students, as part of their application, selected the supervisors from whom they wished to receive feedback and guidance. Based on very positive feedback from the students, we believe this approach further strengthened the match between supervisors and students. We had a wonderful group of students in Uppsala who remained highly engaged throughout the event and contributed to a safe, open, and motivating learning environment. It was particularly rewarding to see students directly apply the presentation advice they had received in the online sessions during their own presentations. Overall, the combination of workshops, supervision, and peer-to-peer exchange of tips and experiences made the event a productive and enriching learning experience.”
Participant evaluations
- Participants gave the supervision they received a 9.1/10 rating.
- Participants gave the presentations and discussions in smaller groups a 9.1/10 rating.
- Participants thought that the event was worthwhile in attending, in terms of their studies, future aspirations and career, giving an 8.9/10 rating.
All overall ratings were made on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is considered negative and 10 is considered positive.
Voices of participants
Iryna Koverznieva - Participant from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Before attending the event, I expected to gain new insights for my thesis and learn skills that would help me in the future with my research projects and papers.
The best part of the MTT was connecting with new people and ideas; it was definitely the best part of the whole experience!
Images from the event
Photo: Pontus Ambros
The event started with a guided tour of Uppsala.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
The keynote was given by Dr. Maciej K. Sculz and it was titled 'Sustainable Ideas Start with a Conversation Across Discipline'.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
The students all got to present and discuss their theses with the groups.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Emma Svensson and Elin Lundkvist, Uppsala University, held the lecture and workshop 'Beat procrastination and finish your thesis'.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
The workshops were opportunities for the students to learn from each other and gain knowledge to further their work on their thesis.
Photo: Vivian Buschmann
Dr. Julija Kalpokienė, Vytautas Magnus University, gave a lecture online on the subject 'Using AI in your Master Thesis'.
Photo: Vivian Buschmann
Pontus Ambros, BUP Coordinating Secretariat, held the workshop 'Meta of research work'.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Each student had a 1-hour one-on-one session where they got additional feedback and guidance from an external supervisor on their thesis.
Photo: Pontus Ambros
Participants and organisers after the conclusion of the Master Thesis Training in Uppsala.