Understanding science

We develop workshops, seminars and exhibits that focus on all aspects of our research and deliver our activities in both English and Welsh.

We participate in the Public Understanding of Science in Health Lectures series, aimed at opening up areas of current concern in health care and presenting the latest progress in biomedical research to the public. These lectures attract a diverse audience of interested individuals including secondary school pupils, teachers, patients and health care professionals.

We work closely together with Techniquest Science Museum on public engagement activities and are involved in events such as the Cardiff Science Festival, Soapbox Science, Hay Festival and The National Eisteddfod.

We develop educational applications that highlight basic concepts of the body's response to pathogens, vaccines and tumours, such as our computer game "MacMan" that was developed in collaboration with the University of South Wales and is targeted at primary school children.

We reach out to teachers and school children via the Science in Health: Live! events as part of the University's contribution to the National Science and Engineering Week, including laboratory tours, interactive exhibition areas and short talks on hot topics in medicine to inspire the next generation of scientists and healthcare providers.

We participate in staging a Wales-wide inter-school competition for year 10 pupils modelled on the TV quiz show University Challenge. This competition is held both in English (The Life Sciences Challenge) and in Welsh (Her Gwyddorau Bywyd).

Many of our researchers participate in the STEM ambassador scheme to inspire and encourage young people to enjoy STEM subjects. We provide mentoring, support and resources for engagement activities, including workshops at primary and secondary schools.

We organise patient-focused events and pub quizzes to raise awareness for our research and its implications for improved patient management and public health via diagnostics, therapies, vaccines and life-style choices.

For instance, we have set up the Sepsis Patient and Public Engagement Centre to promote a close interaction between patients, researchers and clinical staff, and thereby make a real difference in our research and the clinic.

Updates of our research and engagement activities feature regularly on our website and social media channels, as well as in print and online magazines such as ReMEDy, Cardiff Connect and Advances Wales.

We cooperate with newspapers, radio and TV stations, including close links to Radio Glamorgan, the award-winning hospital radio station serving the University Hospital of Wales.