Centre for Trials Research At Science In Health Live

On March 13, 2024, Cardiff University School of Medicine hosted the 30th Science in Health Live event, providing a platform for Year 12 students to explore opportunities within the healthcare field.

Background

Science in Health Live! has been welcoming pupils to Cardiff School of Medicine for over 25 years. The event has always taken place at Wales’ largest teaching hospital within National Science and Engineering Week. It is aimed at students in Year 12 studying science and maths A levels and gives attendees the opportunity to discover more about the latest internationally recognised science discoveries taking place within healthcare.

The event is well attended by teachers and A-level students from across Wales and the border counties and has become one of the UK’s biggest science event for A-level students. Science in Health Live is designed to give students an insight into the science behind medicine, showing them the range of career options open to them in healthcare, biomedical and scientific fields.

Centre Involvement

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Matt Morgan whose healthcare journey started at a previous Science in Health Live event, thereby serving as a testament to the event’s impact.  The students then got to “Guess the Healthcare Professional” using their investigative skills to identify a nurse, forensic pathologist and an immunologist.

Students then went on to explore the exhibitions and demonstrations meticulously arranged by the Health Science team.  Departments that took part included the Library, Psychology and Neurosciences, School of Pharmacy, Medical Physics, Genomics, Optometry, The Centre for Trials Research and The Wales Cancer Research Centre.   Attendees were also treated to a glimpse of the groundbreaking research conducted at Cardiff University through departmental tours.

The Centre for Trials Unit highlighted important aspects of clinical trials, focussing on the principles of informed consent, randomization, and the placebo effect.  Over 90 students enthusiastically participated in baseline knowledge assessments at the onset of the displays, with a subsequent re-evaluation at the conclusion, showcasing their eagerness to engage with the subject matter.

The enthusiasm, keen interest, and active participation from the students underscored the event’s success.   Cardiff University’s Science in Health Live event continues to empower the next generation with confidence and purpose to thoroughly explore their career opportunities in healthcare.