Biography
Name: Marta Stryjniak
University: University of Cambridge
Title of research: The Role of Sociodemographic Characteristics in Key Choices During the University Application Process
Flagship datasets using: GRADE
Supervisor: Dr. Sonia Ilie
Please tell us about your PhD project
My project explores how students of different sociodemographic backgrounds make key decisions during the university application process in England. By understanding the factors influencing their choices and the resulting outcomes, I aim to provide insights that inform policies focused on fair access to higher education.
What are your key takeaways from the ADR UK PhD Annual Gathering 2025?
For me, the gathering really reinforced the importance of collaboration and dialogue in shaping research. Engaging with other researchers and practitioners made me reflect on how I approach my research, from the design stage to its broader implications, as well as on how my personal background and experiences influence my work. I was also very impressed by the depth of everyone’s ideas, the diversity of projects and their potential to provide meaningful insights.
Are there any speakers, session or presentation that particularly resonated with you? And why?
I was particularly struck by the general emphasis on ensuring that research is both informed by real-world experiences and designed to make a tangible impact. The sessions challenged me to consider the relevance of my research questions and their potential contributions – both academically and in terms of impact on practical issues. It was a reminder to maintain this focus throughout every stage of the project.
How has the event impacted your perspective on your research?
The event really made me appreciate the value of connecting with peers who face similar challenges that are linked to working with administrative data. Our discussions were highly insightful and helped to clarify potential solutions and approaches. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with a network of PhD students working on similar projects who can provide valuable feedback and a fresh perspective on my work.
Did the event inspire any new ideas for your current or future research? Can you please share with us your next steps for your research following the event?
It did give me some potential ideas for the analyses I would like to explore. My project was recently approved, and I’ve just begun working directly with the data. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be focusing on data cleaning and diving into the analyses I’ve planned so far. I’m excited to see what insights emerge and look forward to hopefully sharing some findings at the next gathering!