Young researchers present their work to senior academics

Fifteen students from Redland Green School’s post 16 centre presented their research findings to a group of senior health researchers on Wednesday 22 March. This was the culmination of two terms’ work during which the students explored the world of health research and developed their own research projects. The presentations took place at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Child and Adolescent Health.

This initiative to inspire the health researchers of tomorrow is a collaboration between the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England, the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West), Bristol Health Partners and People in Health West of England. Researchers from both universities and CLAHRC West taught the students research methods, then supported them to undertake their own research project. The students’ presented their findings to the senior academics and health researchers who had supported them over the course of the programme.

The course is rigorous: students must submit their research proposals to an ethics committee. In return the students provide a valuable young person’s perspective and critical analysis to the researchers for projects about, or centred on, young people. The programme is voluntary and requires a great deal of commitment from students.

Research topics included:

• Whether there is a common opinion amongst 16-18 year olds on what the appropriate age gap between two individuals, one between 16-18 years of age and the other older than that, in an intimate relationship is
• Whether there is a genuine difference between food brands and people’s perception of their quality
• Does labelling cookie dough gluten or dairy-free can affect people’s perception of the taste?
• Testing to see if there is a relationship between wearing make-up and self-esteem in girls
• Investigating how stress affects performance in exam situations

Mike Bell, Patient and Public Involvement Facilitator, managed the programme. He said:

“It was a proud moment to see the students presenting their projects. They’ve worked very hard and their results were fascinating. They have learned so much in just two terms, and were confident and articulate during their presentations. Well done to all of them!”