Public engagement within the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), we work with local schools to widen participation in chemistry and raise awareness of the range of careers in the subject. Chemistry for All enables children to take part in exciting and informative activities, which will give them an understanding of chemistry in the wider world and help them develop skills such as analytical thinking and problem-solving.

The RNA-PAR project brings together RNA researchers and patients with alopecia, with a view to demystifying RNA nanotherapy research by integrating patient perspectives into the development and evaluation of RNA-based interventions for alopecia.

Mast Diagnostics, LJMU and Public Health England (TSB funded collaborative grant – Fighting Infection Through Detection), have been developing a rapid point of care diagnostic assay for STIs that will benefit NHS patients by providing a rapid diagnosis allowing antibiotics to be prescribed immediately. The development of a point of care device for a panel of sexually transmitted disease is at an advanced stage. A prototype will be available in the coming months that will be used to conduct a series of clinical trials. The impact of the device is likely to be very significant allowing rapid diagnosis of disease and immediate prescription of antibiotics to treat patients. A recent publication from the group has attracted attention from resource poor settings and a clear need has been established for this technology to be translated to these environments where incidence of STI can be as high as 14%.

Pupils across the North West take part in competitive, hands-on practical activities using their chemistry skills to solve a murder mystery. In LJMU’s state-of-the-art labs, students examine forensic evidence from an imaginary crime scene to help identify the murderer.

We work with Skcin on the Sun Safe Schools programme whose objective is to prevent skin cancer through education. Sun Safe Schools is a free online tool available to all primary schools giving them access to a comprehensive range of engaging, curriculum-linked teaching resources for key stage 1 and 2 pupils. The hope is that the initiative will be rolled out to community pharmacies to get the message out to an even wider audience.

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences has recently developed and delivered training to nursing staff from Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust to help them gain confidence using the online versions of the British National Formulary as well as understand key sections more thoroughly to help healthcare team effectiveness.

We support Big Bang North West which enables young people to discover the exciting and rewarding STEM-based careers available through fun and interactive activities.

The School has a number of registered STEM Ambassadors who work with young people to pique their interest in STEM subjects and encourage them to consider possible future career pathways in STEM.

The Centre is the first research collaboration in the UK between a hospital, university and community pharmacist. LJMU, the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust and LloydsPharmacy are working together towards the goal of improving the way patients use their medicines outside hospital.

LJMU and the Medway School of Pharmacy have produced the first baseline map of local authorities commissioned public health services from community pharmacies so data can be gathered to work out where key services are required.