BRU researchers meet 1000+ members of the public over the summer

Over the summer period BRU researchers have been busy attending a number of public events to talk about research.

BRU researchers see public engagement playing a key role in helping us design and deliver biomedical research and enjoy speaking with the public about their work and receiving feedback. The past few months have been BRU researchers contribute to three public events attended by over 1000 people.

In May the BRU held its annual open day under the theme of disease prevention, in conjunction with International Clinical Trials Day. Researchers organised a range of activities for the public to take part in, such as providing ultrasound scans to look at joints in the hand and the extraction of DNA from cheek cells. There was also a variety of information and presentations about research underway at the BRU.

In June the BRU ran a stand at the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Young People’s Event and at The University of Manchester’s Medical and Human Science / Faculty of Life Sciences Community Open Day. These two events were mainly attended by young people and families who wanted to find out more about the work of clinicians and researchers. Professor Judith Hoyland and her research group showcased an interactive exercise at one event, which explored the spine and stem cells. The thermal imaging camera was also very popular amongst visitors, which gave people the opportunity to see the different temperatures on their face.

Professor Wendy Thomson, PPI Theme Lead for the BRU, said: “These events were fantastic as they gave our researchers the chance to speak to lots of people from a range of backgrounds. The feedback we’ve received from the public has been incredibly useful and we look forward to running and attending more events for the public in the future.”