2018 Meet the Researcher Showcase

It says something for young people’s interest in medical research that two annual events organised by Medical Research Scotland continue to grow year-on-year.

Flagged as an opportunity to find out more about the exciting and diverse career opportunities in medical research the organisation’s Meet the Researcher Showcase events, hosted by Glasgow and Dundee Science Centres, attracted over 200 senior school pupils.

The events give Medical Research Scotland the opportunity to show its support both for scientists at the earliest stages of their careers and collaborative work between academia and industry.

It’s no surprise that there’s a well thought-out formula behind the success of these events. The clue’s in the title: Meet the Researcher. Medical Research Scotland’s funded undergraduate and postgraduate researchers are perfectly placed to communicate their work and their enthusiasm to an exceptionally receptive audience of senior school pupils.

Want to know more? – watch the video

Seventeen researchers from universities across Scotland were on hand at Dundee and Glasgow to explain their research – from growing a brain on a microchip to exploring the outcome for patients who have kidney dialysis in intensive care. The importance is explained by Professor Philip Winn, Chair of Medical Research Scotland:

“What schools are looking for is a better understanding of medical research”.

“I believe the reason these events are so attractive is that we have our students make the presentations. They’re all terrific scientists, working in top labs, who not so long ago were school students themselves. 

“That connectivity is hugely important for delivering our message.”

One part of that message is explaining the range of work Medical Research Scotland supports. The organisation doesn’t simply fund work in medicine and biology, but in all sorts of subjects, including chemistry and physics, pharmacy and pharmacology, maths, computer science, engineering and the social sciences.

The events are about opening young people’s eyes to the incredibly wide range of genuine opportunities available to them. Professor Winn again:

“Right now in medical research there is so much to do and so much excitement.

“It shows that within a few short years people can transform from being in secondary education to being researchers in great labs across Scotland, which will be fantastic for them.”

Attend a Medical Research Scotland showcase event and you get a real sense of excitement about what is literally a world of possibility out there.

“We thought today’s showcase event was absolutely fantastic,” said Webster’s High School biology teacher, Chelsea Graham.

“I had a large group of pupils with me and the thing that made the main difference was the researchers presenting their work.

 “They were very enthusiastic about their work and they came with activities for our pupils to do to really get them involved.

 “It all links it back not just to what they can do in their careers but what we are currently doing in the class room.”

To view the posters presented by the Medical Research Scotland awardees , click on their photos below.