Medical Research Scotland, Scotland’s largest independent medical research charity, has helped more than 350 young people across Scotland connect with the country’s leading scientists and academics to learn about further education and careers in medical science.
Reaching 350 pupils from more than 30 schools across the country, the Medical Research Scotland Academy aims to inspire the next generation of scientists so they can play a role in addressing the STEM skills shortage in Scotland.
The participating local Edinburgh schools were St George’s School, Stewart’s Melville College, The Edinburgh Academy and The Mary Erskine School
S4, S5 and S6 pupils joined the Medical Research Scotland Academy for a month of live-streamed interactive lessons broadcast to science classrooms across Scotland – from Aberdeen to Dumfries.
The programme was provided to schools free of charge, featuring inspiring young scientists at the cutting edge of their field alongside senior university lecturers. The bitesize sessions are also available on-demand at medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.
One school to benefit was Bishopbriggs Academy where pupils learned about medical research into viruses, the brain, sleep and parasites alongside many other topics from research scientists at the University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews and the University of Strathclyde.
Lesley Dawson, teacher at Bishopbriggs Academy, said: “While the pandemic has caused huge challenges for the education sector, it has also inspired our pupils to find out more about medical research and they were excited to access this live streamed education programme.
“The Medical Research Scotland Academy was an opportunity to connect our students with inspirational scientists. The webinar series has ignited our pupils’ passion for science and provided a taste of the higher education and career opportunities open to them.”
Medical Research Scotland works tirelessly to improve health in Scotland by funding world-class research into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
If you would like to help contribute to these efforts, please visit: medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.
Professor Heather Wallace, PhD (Aberdeen), Chair of Medical Research Scotland, said: “Scotland has a proud tradition of developing world class research scientists making pioneering discoveries and improving global health.
“Through the Medical Research Scotland Academy, we aimed to inspire and connect the next generation with Scotland’s leading medical professionals and academics. Bringing together schools from across the country, we’ve seen first-hand the huge interest in medical science amongst school leavers.”