Keele ASPIRE showcase celebrates the future of medical research
Medical students at Keele University had the opportunity to present their research to academics, clinicians and fellow students at the annual ASPIRE Research Showcase, supported by the North Staffordshire Medical Institute (NSMI).
Led by Professor Divya Chari, the event was designed to encourage future doctors to engage with academic research while developing the confidence and communication skills needed to present their findings professionally.
The showcase featured 37 undergraduate medical students, who presented their work through talks and poster displays covering a wide range of healthcare and scientific topics.
Supporting the next generation of medical researchers
The ASPIRE programme helps medical students explore research alongside their clinical training and gain first-hand experience of academic medicine.
At the showcase, students presented projects examining subjects including concussion education in elite rugby, cardiovascular disease, genetics and mental health, cystic fibrosis and spinal cord injury.
Then NSMI Chairman Professor Shaughn O’Brien praised the professionalism and quality of the presentations, highlighting the importance of encouraging talented students to consider careers in medical research.
The event demonstrated how early exposure to research can help students develop critical thinking, scientific understanding and presentation skills that may shape their future careers.
Recognising outstanding student research
Prizes were awarded for the strongest oral and poster presentations.
Jessica Green received the award for best oral presentation for her research into preventing intestinal blockages in patients with cystic fibrosis.
The best poster award went to Will Woods for his work investigating the use of chick embryos as models for spinal cord injury research.
The awards celebrated both the scientific quality of the projects and the students’ ability to communicate complex research clearly.
Guest speakers and academic collaboration
The programme also included presentations from experienced researchers, including Dr Pensee Wu, a lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and infectious diseases specialist Dr Andrew Ustianowski.
Their involvement gave students the opportunity to hear from established academics while gaining a broader perspective on research careers and clinical investigation.
The showcase formed part of a growing collaboration between NSMI and Keele University’s Medical School.
To support the programme’s continued development, NSMI committed £15,000 per year for at least five years, helping provide long-term support for student research activities.
Building stronger research partnerships
ASPIRE was one of several initiatives supported through collaboration between NSMI, Keele University and University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.
Other programmes included the Firelighter Awards, which encouraged healthcare staff to pitch innovative research ideas for funding, alongside NSMI’s own pump-priming grants for new medical research projects.
These partnerships helped create opportunities at different stages of a researcher’s career, from medical students gaining their first experience of research through to clinicians and scientists developing new studies.
Investing in the researchers of tomorrow
The ASPIRE Research Showcase highlighted the importance of giving medical students opportunities to explore academic medicine from an early stage.
By supporting students to undertake research, present their findings and learn from experienced academics, the programme helped strengthen the pipeline of future medical researchers.
Support for education, research and professional development remains an important part of the work associated with the Wade Charitable Foundation and North Staffordshire Medical Institute, helping encourage the next generation of clinicians and scientists in North Staffordshire.