We are delighted by the overwhelming success of the second annual My Aorta My Future biomedical outreach event. Organised in partnership with the University of Liverpool and hosted by Everton in the Community, this year’s event took place in June 2024 at the iconic Goodison Park. This event, funded by STEM Learning via the STEM Ambassador Targeted Intervention Programme, awarded to Dr Riaz Akhtar, the University of Liverpool, was a celebration of discovery, learning, and inspiration, aimed at encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore the exhilarating world of biomedical research.
“Healthcare is not just doctors and nurses, there are so many different career opportunities.”
Dr Sarah Myers
Regional Network Lead, STEM Learning
Igniting Scientific Passion
The event’s primary goal was to inspire 14-16 year-olds from less privileged backgrounds, offering them a glimpse into the diverse career opportunities in biomedical research and medicine. Students had the unique opportunity to interact with professionals from various fields, including mechanical engineering, biomedical sciences, medical students, biochemists, perfusionists and cardiac surgeons. This immersive experience aimed to ignite a passion for scientific exploration and innovation among the students.
Educational Insights and Discoveries
Throughout the day, students from Liverpool engaged in a variety of interactive workshops and practical activities, focusing on aortic dissection. Renowned researchers and accomplished surgeons shared their personal experiences and insights, leaving the students inspired and motivated.
Learning Opportunities
The event provided valuable learning opportunities, including:
- Understanding what an aortic dissection is.
- Learning how to protect cardiovascular health.
- Gaining insights into open heart surgery.
- Discovering the materials used to replace diseased tissue in the lab.
- Exploring biotechnology advances in tackling cardiovascular disease.
Highlighting Cutting-Edge Research
This year, several key organisations showcased their work, making the event even more enriching:
University of Liverpool
Highlighted their cutting-edge research on aortic dissection, demonstrating the latest techniques in the field.
Perfusionists
Provided a fascinating demonstration of a heart-lung machine, explaining its critical role during aortic surgery. The machine adds oxygen to the blood before pumping it back into the body, essentially taking over the functions of the heart and lungs during surgery.
Biomedical Scientist STEM Ambassadors from Royal Preston Hospital
Representing the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), their stall offered hands-on experiences such as:
- Performing streak plates to understand their application in infection science.
- Interpreting blood test results through interactive demonstrations.
- Exploring pathology services with real laboratory tools, showcasing the synergy between blood, infection, genetic, and cellular sciences.
- Simulating the journey of a patient sample from collection to diagnosis.
The IBMS stall was particularly popular, providing valuable insights into various career pathways and the support available from the Institute of Biomedical Science. The IBMS merchandise was a hit among the students, leaving the stall with almost nothing to spare by the end of the day.
KS4 Curriculum Links
- Showcasing scientific career paths
- Development of scientific thinking
- Experimental skills and strategies
- Analysis and evaluation
- Real-world context
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Science
Diversity and inclusion were at the heart of My Aorta My Future. By focusing on underrepresented communities and students from low-income households, the event aimed to bridge the gap and showcase equal opportunities for all. By highlighting scientists and professionals from diverse backgrounds, students witnessed first-hand the power of representation and the importance of diversity in scientific research.
“The amount of hands-on activities, especially for our pupils, have been amazing”
Miss S Aitchison
Head of Science, Finch Woods Academy
Forging Connections for Tomorrow
Students engaged in thought-provoking discussions, sought career advice, and learned about groundbreaking research being conducted to tackle aortic dissection and improve patient outcomes. These connections will serve as a foundation for their future endeavours in the biomedical research field.
The Future of Biomedical Science
The impact of this biomedical careers day will continue to resonate long after the event. The seeds of curiosity and inspiration planted in the hearts of the students will grow, and we are excited to see the future career paths and contributions they may make in the field of biomedical research.
We are proud to have played a part in inspiring the next generation of biomedical researchers. As we reflect on this remarkable event, we are filled with gratitude and enthusiasm for what the future holds.
Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the exhibitors, researchers, surgeons, and volunteers who made My Aorta My Future a resounding success. Their dedication, knowledge, and passion contributed to an enriching experience for the schools that attended. We would also like to express our appreciation to the University of Liverpool, Everton in the Community, and Everton FC for their support in making this event possible.
Thanks to the funding from STEM Learning UK, we were able to once again run an event at the historic Goodison Park, making it even more special as it might be the last event held at this venue. The support from the STEM Ambassador programme was instrumental in creating an engaging and educational environment for all participants.
The STEM Ambassador programme aims to provide engaging informal learning opportunities to young people of all backgrounds, supporting their understanding of STEM and encouraging them to consider whether STEM could be for them. The programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and managed by STEM Learning Ltd, connects STEM professionals with young people to inspire the next generation of innovators and researchers.
We look forward to the continued success of My Aorta My Future and the bright futures of the students who attended. Together, we can make a significant impact on the world of biomedical research and beyond.
