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. Our aim is to raise awareness of the range of careers in the subject.

Chemistry for All enables children to take part in exciting and informative activities. This will give them an understanding of chemistry in the wider world. It also allows them to develop skills such as analytical thinking and problem-solving.

The RNA-PAR project brings together RNA researchers and patients with alopecia. Its aim is to demystify RNA nanotherapy research. The project integrates patient perspectives into the development and evaluation of RNA-based interventions for alopecia.

Mast Diagnostics, LJMU, and Public Health England are working together on a TSB-funded collaborative grant called Fighting Infection Through Detection. The team is developing a rapid point-of-care diagnostic assay for STIs. This will benefit NHS patients by providing fast diagnoses, so antibiotics can be prescribed immediately.

Development of a point-of-care device for a panel of sexually transmitted diseases is at an advanced stage. A prototype will be available in the coming months and will be used in a series of clinical trials.

The impact of this device is expected to be significant. It will allow rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment with antibiotics. A recent publication from the group has attracted interest from resource-poor settings. In these environments, where STI incidence can reach 14%, there is a clear need for this technology.

Pupils across the North West take part in competitive, hands-on practical activities. They are encouraged to use their chemistry skills to solve a murder mystery. In LJMU’s state-of-the-art labs, students examine forensic evidence from a simulated crime scene. They use this evidence to help identify the “murderer.”

We work with Skcin on the Sun Safe Schools programme. Their objective is to prevent skin cancer through education.

Sun Safe Schools is a free online tool available to all primary schools. It provides 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 recently developed and delivered training for nursing staff from Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust.

The sessions helped staff gain confidence using the online British National Formulary and understand key sections more thoroughly. This training supports the effectiveness of the wider healthcare team.

We support Big Bang North West, which helps young people explore exciting and rewarding STEM careers. They do this through fun and interactive activities.

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

The Centre is the first research collaboration in the UK between a hospital, a university, and a community pharmacist.

LJMU, the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, and LloydsPharmacy are working together to improve how patients use their medicines outside hospital.

LJMU and the Medway School of Pharmacy have produced the first baseline map of public health services. It was commissioned from community pharmacies by local authorities. This data helps identify where key services are most needed.