Last week students from the School of Biosciences hosted a dedicated outreach day to mark World Cancer Day. It brought together North West Cancer Research, undergraduate researchers and visiting school pupils for a day focused on cancer awareness, research, and future pathways into higher education.
A key element of the event was the involvement of eight final-year undergraduate students, supervised by academics from the Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine. The students presented interactive outreach activities based on their own research projects. Designed and delivered as part of their final-year work, these activities covered a broad range of timely and relevant topics, including ultra-processed foods (UPFs), alcohol use, vaping and smoking, fatty diets, skin cancer awareness, and cancer survivorship.
Cheryl Mackie from North West Cancer Research was also in attendance to highlight the vital role of charities and research organisations in advancing cancer research, education, and patient support. Cheryl said: “I'd like to congratulate everyone who presented. Their work was not only informative but had a personal touch. Considering they were presenting to an audience that was similar in age, they conducted themselves brilliantly! I think the whole day was an opportunity for education and industry to come together to reinforce a positive message.”
Professor Ainhoa Mielgo commented: “This was an outstanding event, expertly led by our cancer outreach lead, Dr Lorna Young. It was inspiring to see our final-year undergraduate students translate their research into such engaging and interactive activities for visiting A-level students. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to communicate complex cancer-related topics so effectively was truly impressive. The day was not only enjoyable but also a powerful example of how undergraduate research can make a real impact beyond the university, and I felt incredibly proud of our students.”
The event welcomed approximately 80 visiting students aged 16 to 18, recruited through the University’s widening participation (WP) initiatives such as the Scholars and Pathways to Medicine programmes. For many, this was an opportunity to experience university life first-hand, engage with current students, and ask questions about degree programmes and career routes, helping to demystify higher education and support informed decision-making.
For the undergraduate students, the day offered an invaluable opportunity to develop confidence, communication, and public engagement skills by presenting scientific research to a non-specialist audience.
Overall, the day demonstrated the value of outreach activities in inspiring future scientists and healthcare professionals, supporting widening participation, and equipping undergraduate students with skills that will benefit them well beyond their degrees.
Student feedback
“I am so glad I picked cancer outreach for my dissertation; it has allowed me to develop many transferable skills like public speaking, good organisation and communication, which will be useful when applying for graduate jobs this year. I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in helping to raise awareness about cancer risk factors as well as interacting with the students and answering their queries about university.” Ella Strontschak, Biological Sciences
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge about skin cancer and raise awareness among young people on a topic that is close to my heart. I hope the session encouraged informed choices and greater understanding of prevention and early detection.” Ella Mountain, Biological & Medical Sciences