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Building a Scientific Community: Join UWE Society of Applied Sciences (SAS) 

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

An academic society open to all students and alumni – no matter the course or education stage.

In our first years at university, we had struggled to find a sense of belonging and community. This is what led six Biomedical and Biological science students to establish the UWE Society of Applied Sciences (SAS), a student society that helps build scientific and academic skills, all while fostering a sense of community. 

Our Events 

Our events run throughout the year, and information can be found on SAS’s Instagram or WhatsApp. 

Present Your Work: Come and share whatever your passionate about, whether that be your latest results or the plot of your favourite book. These sessions are designed to both build confidence in public speaking and provide a platform for discussing student’s research. Previous students have said these sessions played an invaluable role in preparing for their final poster defences and some of our students have even gone on to present at conferences. 

Scientific Discussion:  Wondering how science shapes the world we live in?…. Come to our scientific discussion, a relaxed, thought-provoking sessions where discussions flow, ideas spark, and no one’s afraid to ask, “what if?”. Every meeting begins with an intriguing article, and we work together to unpack the science, question the ethics and imagine the possibilities. Join a community where you can discuss and explore diverse scientific fields while engaging in meaningful conversations.  

Scientific Debates:  This is designed to spark critical discussion and community engagement around scientific and ethical topics. Debates will feature structured arguments to encourage students to explore diverse perspectives on different issues or subject areas. Themes ranging from all Applied Science disciplines. This aims to build confidence and on-the-spot thinking skills. At the end of each debate, the audience will vote for the speaker who best represented their argument.  

Image showing a group of people discussing around a table with a speaker standing in front of the room presenting

Non-academic Events: During starting-block we ran a highly successful scavenger hunt with new BSc Biological sciences students. As we get further into the term, we also have a scientific quiz and Halloween movie night planned. 

Why should you join? 

University isn’t just about lectures and exams, it’s also about growth, exploration, and connection. By supporting each other, sharing knowledge and experiences, working together cross-year and cross-course, we can make the most of what university has to offer.  

For undergraduate students, our sessions are designed around building skills that are key for not just assessments but also future careers. Our diverse pool of undergraduate and postgraduate students will also help you develop your network and give you insight into future years. 

For postgraduates and research active students, we provide the opportunity to share and discuss your work. Because our society includes students from a wide range of backgrounds and educational stages, it’s the perfect place to develop your skills in communicating research to a broad audience.   

How to join

A year’s membership for UWE students costs £3. If you’re a graduate, a student from another university, or a member of the public, an Associate membership (£5) is available for you from the SU website. Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions. Once you have purchased a membership, you’ll be added to a closed WhatsApp group chat exclusively for student members — a smaller, more informal space for friendly conversations. You are also encouraged to join our open WhatsApp group, available to the wider community (both members and non-members) for sharing opportunities, asking questions, and offering advice. 

What if I am not a student?

We work closely with the School of Applied Sciences and believe this partnership benefits everyone involved: students grow by exploring what they’re passionate about, academics engage with enthusiastic learners, and ultimately, UWE benefits by graduating students who are more experienced and have a clearer sense of their future direction. 

So, if you are an academic or member of industry and would like to offer your time and expertise, please contact us at uwesocietyofappliedscience@outlook.com. We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities to offer our members. 

Warm regards,  

UWE SAS committee  

@Sofiia Shargorodskaia, Gabrielle Dass, Molly Crow, Rhiana Vale Guerreiro, Saliha Sadaf, and Georgina Donovan. 

Contacts 

Email: uwesocietyofappliedscience@outlook.com 

Instagram: Instagram (@uwe.sas)  

Open WhatsApp Group Chat: WhatsApp 

Become associated with us on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uwe-society-of-applied-sciences/ 

Showcasing Excellence: School of Applied Sciences End of Year Degree Showcase 2025

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

On Friday, 6 June 2025, the School of Applied Sciences proudly hosted the annual End of Year Showcase at The Space & The Works, at the Frenchay Campus. This event celebrates the innovation, dedication, and scientific achievements of its undergraduate students. The event was designed as a platform not just to display academic work, but to reflect on personal and collective journeys through the world of applied science.

A Celebration of Community and Achievement

The event was not only for academics and industry professionals – families, friends, and staff also came together to support and celebrate the students. Seeing parents and loved ones engage with the students’ work added a heart warming and personal touch to the day.

Kicking Off the Celebration

The day began with a warm and inspiring welcome address by Dr. James Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Health, Science and Society (UWE Bristol). Dr. Lee acknowledged the hard work of students and staff throughout the year and emphasized the value of applied science in the real world. His speech set a reflective and celebratory tone for what would be a memorable and engaging day.

Following Dr. Lee’s address, eight students from SOAS delivered 10-minute presentations, followed by Q&A sessions with the audience.

The presentations were delivered by the following speakers:

  1. Dylan Beckham – Ghosts of the Forest: Remote sensing as a tool to understand human-wildlife conflict in a cryptic elephant species.
  2. Syed Ayaan Reza – Hand Dryers as a Potential Transmitter of Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens.
  3. Megan Pound – Should you drink cranberry juice for a UTI? An investigation into cranberry compounds against common uropathogens. 
  4. Molly Crow – A Comparison of ​Clinicopathological Features, Survival and Gene Expression between ​Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer. 
  5. Nicola Lena – Plasmid-encoded resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from UK soldiers in Iraq
  6. Emily Langridge – Analysis of Drugs in Urine by Solvent Extraction and Liquid-Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. 
  7. Saliha Sadaf – A comparative evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Carmustine and Vincristine on TK-6 lymphoblast cells.
  8. Yasmin Vernon – Is the Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Trauma in Mammals a Scientific Hypothesis or a Proven Phenomenon? 

After the talks, attendees had the opportunity to network over lunch, engaging with staff and students to explore ideas and topics raised during the presentations.

Science in Action

At the heart of the showcase was a diverse array of student-led poster presentations, spanning topics across biomedical science, forensic science, environmental health, public health, and beyond. Each student brought their project to life through one-on-one discussions, sharing their research journey, methodologies, and key findings.

This format offered students a valuable opportunity to strengthen their science communication skills and gain experience presenting in a professional, conference-style environment. The talks showcased not only academic rigour, but also confidence, passion, and the ability to relate complex concepts to broader societal challenges. These student presentations offered a unique and inspiring perspective, leaving attendees inspired by the impressive depth of research taking place at the undergraduate level.

Closing Remarks

The event concluded with closing remarks and a thank-you message from Dr. Lyn Newton, Dean of SOAS, who expressed appreciation to all attendees for their presence and engagement throughout the day. This was followed by the award for Best Presentation.

Professor Emmanuel Adukwu, Deputy Head of SOAS, brought the day to a close by announcing the poster prize winners and extending heartfelt thanks to the organising committee: Julie Molloy, Helen Quasnichka, Ben de Lacy Costello, Kevin Honeychurch, and Chelsey Jordan.

We would like to acknowledge the prize sponsors for the 2025 End of Year Showcase; Biochemical Society and the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Written by Manar Amasha and Syed Ayaan Reza.

Career Pathways: Inspiring Journeys in STEM and Beyond × Staff and Student Forum event

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

On Wednesday, 19th February 2025, students, and staff gathered for an inspiring Career Pathways and Networking Event, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between aspiring professionals and students. Hosted as part of our Widening participation for global majority students hosted by race and equity advocates (Husna and Ayaan), the event brought together distinguished speakers who shared their personal journeys, challenges, and insights into the world of STEM and beyond. 

The panel featured Prof. Emmanuel Adukwu, Dr. Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu, Prof. Angelina Sanderson Bellamy, Amrutha Kotichintala, and Chrisann Haughton, each offering valuable perspectives on navigating careers, overcoming barriers, and the importance of resilience and networking.

Key Takeaways from the Event 

  • Personal Stories that Inspire: Panellists reflected on their journeys, from early aspirations to the challenges they overcame in their fields. 
  • Advice for Students: Practical guidance on skill-building, networking, and standing out in competitive STEM industries. Panellists emphasized the importance of mentorship in career growth and highlighted effective communication as a key skill for success. 
  • Diversity and Inclusion: A discussion on the experiences of Global Majority professionals in STEM and how students can navigate similar challenges. 
  • Interactive Q&A: Students engaged in meaningful conversations, gaining firsthand insights from industry professionals. 

This event was more than just a panel discussion, it was a space for connection, inspiration, and growth. The conversations sparked motivation among students, reinforcing the idea that no path is linear, and perseverance is key. 

A special thank you to our speakers and attendees for making this event a success! We are especially grateful to Pro-Vice Chancellor of Health Science Society, Dr. James Lee, and Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Dr. Lyn Newton, for their support and attendance. 

Article written by Husna Mukunzi & Syed Ayaan Reza

Join us at the Science Futures Fair 2025

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

The School of Applied Sciences at UWE Bristol invites all students, staff and members of the wider community to attend our annual flagship careers event Science Futures Fair 2025.

Science Futures fair is an annual event which provides opportunities for students to connect with employers and organisations across the Life Sciences sector coming together to network and to access a range of opportunities which includes: internship and placement opportunities, graduate roles, volunteering opportunities and postgraduate courses e.g. Master’s, Doctoral and PhD opportunities etc.

Date: Wed 29 January 2025
Time: 12:00 – 16:30
Location: EP1 (Enterprise Park 1), Frenchay Campus, 
Further info

Who should attend Science Futures?

Science Futures is organised for Applied Science students at UWE Bristol but as the event has grown year-on-year, students from partner colleges and other universities have attended the Science Futures Fair. The event is open to students at all levels of study (undergraduate and postgraduate), UWE alumni are also invited to Science Futures Fair as this event features a wide range of activities and opportunities for everyone. One of the main features of Science Futures is the number of attending organisations at the event (including non-exhibitors) and the opportunities this provides.

What to expect at Science Futures Fair 2025

There are several activities and opportunities for everyone at Science Futures 2025.

Science Futures 2025 is a great event that we are all looking forward to. I can’t wait to meet the employers, hear from our alumni and see our students engaging in this unique event. Come over and join us in EP1 for an event not to be missed!

Dr Lyn Newton, Dean and Head of School of Applied Sciences (UWE Bristol)

This year, the event will feature the following:

  • Careers fair with employers and professional societies
  • Expert speakers from different applied science related fields
  • Panel discussions on different career pathways following a science degree
  • Exhibition of postgraduate and further study opportunities (MSc, MRes, PhD)

Which employers are we expecting at Science Futures Fair this year?

We are always excited about the numbers of employers and organisations that attend Science Futures annually and this year we are expecting another good turn out of employers. So far we have confirmed the the following organisations; Grad Southwest, Institute of Biomedical Sciences , NHS Blood and Transplant , Science Creates , Wardell Armstrong , NPK Recovery, Get Into Teaching , CSA Environmental , North Bristol NHS Trust, Element , Rentokill, Thatchers , UK Remediation, Wessex Water , Malvern Panalytical, Careers in Healthcare Communications, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Office of National Statistics (ONS), Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum, Veon Scientific, Eclateral, with more to come….

Which Postgraduate programmes on show at Science Futures 2025

If you are a current student, alumni or member of the pubic considering what your next steps are after your undergraduate programme or if you are considering a return to education, you will have the opportunity to meet with the programme leaders on a range of our postgraduate programmes: Masters in Research (MRes) in Applied Sciences, MSc Science Communication, MSc Sustainable Food Systems, MSc/PgDip Biomedical Sciences, MSc Health Technology, MSc Applied Transfusion & Transplantation Science, MSc Forensic Science, MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation, MSc Conservation leadership, Professional Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences

We look forward to seeing you at the Science Futures Fair!

Article written by

Prof. Emmanuel Adukwu (Deputy Head of School)

Growing as a Leader with Common Purpose – The UWE Bristol Future Leaders Experience

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

Common Purpose is a global not-for-profit organisation that focusses on delivering compelling leadership programmes that aim to develop leaders who are capable of being empathetic, open, and agile across diverse cultural, institutional and social boundaries.

I became aware of the Future Leaders Experience from an email sent by the UWE Bristol Go Global Team. This email highlighted the benefits of this experience and explained that despite this being a short programme, running from the 5th of June until the 7th of June 2024, the amazingly intelligent hosts will be able to bring a sense of community and empowerment to the group during this time. There were around 50-60 students present for this programme, from all walks of life, all ages, and a variety of different degrees, that with the help of the hosts became a close-nit, supportive group that allowed growth at every level.

Guest Speakers

Aside from the incredible hosts Roeshawn Davidson, Anna Colao and Evelyn Craig, a number of outstanding leaders had kindly given up their time to come and meet with us. These included people such as Mau Nteteka (Guards Manager of the Great Western Railway) and Sandy Ruthven (CEO of Severn Wye Energy) as well as getting the chance to meet and speak with Keith Scholey (co-CEO of Silverback Films – producer of Our Planet). All the leaders that attended this event shared a variety of essential and important information and knowledge that I will take with me into future leadership roles.

There was such a range of leaders that we were fortunate enough to meet and engage with, thanks to the Common Purpose hosts, that shared personal experiences with either facing diversity in their workplace or having to be agile in the face of sudden changes to a long-term plan. Each experience shared opened our eyes to what being a leader can really be about and allowed us to understand which of these skills we personally needed to develop. These opportunities were a once in a lifetime experience for me and are one of the many reasons why this experience was so invaluable. Another positive to come from this experience was the ability to network and connect, not only with each other, but with the inspiring leaders that came to visit. Not to mention the opportunity to gain an important micro-credential in Inclusive Leadership.

Participants on the UWE Future Leaders Common Purpose programme (2024). Image provided by Lilli Wild

The experience itself

The hosts ability to create a safe space that promoted growth and development within such a short period of time was outstanding. This inspired such motivation throughout the group, and along with connecting and getting to know each other, there was a strong sense of willingness and motivation to develop essential leadership skills. The three days focussed on developing empathy, practicing openness, and understanding and enacting agility – three vital qualities of a successful future leader. This experience really gave me a deeper understanding about the type of leader I currently am, as well as highlighting small steps I can take towards developing a wider set of leadership skills required by future leaders.

Future Common Purpose events

When I next see an opportunity to take part in an event ran by Common Purpose I know I will be quick to either apply for the role myself, or reach out to someone I know that could benefit from the event they are running since I truly believe that in a short space of time, this organisation has the ability to influence outstanding change within the community. If there is one take away from this article, it is that Common Purpose is an organisation to keep an eye out for, and that when an opportunity like this one comes up, you should take it, as you never know what incredible experiences you could gain by the end of it.

This article was written by Lilli Wild, a recent BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate from the School of Applied Sciences (UWE Bristol). Lilli will be starting a PGCE at UWE Bristol in September 2024 focussing on Secondary Biology.

Article edited by Emmanuel Adukwu

Would you like to write for us? get in touch with us via LinkedIn

Highlights from the School of Applied Sciences Annual Alumni Networking Event

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

Article written by Vikas Nariapara

The School of Applied Sciences annual alumni networking event provides a chance for current students to network, share knowledge, opportunities, and advice. This year’s event took place in October and included academics and students ranging from undergraduate to PhD level, and featured sharing of valuable knowledge, whilst showcasing the range of career paths UWE graduates and alumni have taken.  It also in turn created a safe space where students and alumni were free to discuss science without criticism, allowing undergraduates the opportunity to peek into postgraduate life and potential career routes.

The event started with an opening address by Dr Lyn Newton, Dean and Head of the School of Applied Sciences. Following this, Dr Beth Penrose, Associate Professor in Pastoral Systems and Sustainability at Charles Darwin University in Northern Australia, explained how she (like many others) was unsure of what she wanted at the beginning of her degree, but by the end had decided that she would pursue research based on her experiences at UWE.

Image of Dr Penrose taken at SOAS alumni event

Dr Penrose emphasised the value of placements, mentioning how they help you see the use of your degree in industry and how you should always apply for opportunities even if you sometimes feel underqualified. She also advertised PhD positions available at Charles Darwin University. This talk offered solace for students feeling unsure about what they may want from their degree, whilst inspiring students to take available opportunities and not be afraid of applying for roles they would like.

Further information about the help the library staff can offer with research, essay writing and literature support was presented alongside the growing alumni community on UWE Alumni Connect which was presented by Natalie Welch, where UWE students and alumni can interact (a platform similar to LinkedIn). This network offers past and present students the ability to contact others who wish to help those part of the UWE community offering mentorship, advice and opportunities for those showing interest.

The event also featured a panel discussion. The speakers included Dr Elizabeth Bowler, Life Sciences Account Manager for Wales and South West England for Bio-Rad; Hesham Kisher, a Lecturer in Forensic Biology with experience in industry reviewing and issuing DNA expert reports relating to criminal, family and immigration law. Stephanie Udoh, PhD candidate researching the human oral microbiome with Colgate-Palmolive, Entrepreneur and Founder of SEPH group; Oluwadamilola Okeyoyin, PhD candidate researching the effect of herbal tea on the gut microbiome with Pukka Herbs, Chief of Operations for Damioke Naturals and Project Manager; Sean Price, an innovative public sector strategist for Splunk, a company that produces software for analysing machine generated data where he uses his industry knowledge to bring technology, people and processes together.

Image of the panelists taken at the SoAS alumni event at UWE Bristol

The panel discussed the pros and cons of independent research versus industry, the importance of balancing creativity with science as well as drawing attention to the transferable skills attained during university that can be used in roles potentially unrelated to your degree i.e. applying the knowledge gained from processing data for an experiment as the foundation of skills needed for data analysis roles. I found the panel was able to provide invaluable advice, and offered a broad range of answers due to the variety of experiences each member has. I received crucial advice on what I should be doing if I wish to progress to an academic, such as making use of volunteering opportunities to teach other students with the Scientists like me programme in the School of Applied Sciences at UWE.

Following the Q&A there were opportunities to network and I learned more about how to interact with industries and the importance of building a positive, active online presence that other professionals can view.

Sean Price stressed the power of LinkedIn, and how having a strong online profile would open doors, attract employers and could even lead to offers. He suggested to treat it as a living, breathing CV that shows who you are as a person alongside your academic and professional accomplishments.

Many undergraduates who attended used the alumni event as a chance to interact with postgraduates, a significant experience I wish I had prior to my final year.

Questions such as ‘how did you know you wanted to go into research?’ or ‘What advice would you give a level 2 students to prepare for level 3?’ were answered by recent graduates, handing our tips or resources they used to achieve a first-class degree.

Through the alumni event, I was able to network with professionals and attain key guidance by those who are currently in the role I aspire to. It also allowed me to meet other students whom I was able to pass on knowledge from my experiences of final year and my time in on sandwich placement.

Based on my experience I would strongly encourage students and alumni to attend this annual event, as wisdom, guidance and networking opportunities make this event extremely useful. Students and graduates unsure of their opportunities, or direction they wish to take, remarked feeling more certain of what they wanted after this event proving the alumni event has lots to offer.  

Vikas Nariapara is a Masters by Research Student at UWE Bristol. He is also a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist. You can find out more about the write of this article via LinkedIn

Article Editor: Aislinn Snook

Connecting With Other Scientists Globally – Join a Professional Society

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on
An image of people networking at an event. Imagine from Adobe Stock photos

Among the benefits of undertaking a science degree is the opportunity to network and connect with other scientists and to learn from experts in the diverse scientific fields. As students, you get to read articles published by authors from across the globe and your recommended textbooks are also written by scientists engaged in all sorts of cool stuff.

Before the days of online networking sites, apps and social media, it was much harder to connect with these leading figures and notable scientists.

What has changed?

We now have the internet and all the notable scientific professional societies have developed platforms where scientists from across the globe can connect, network and collaborate with others who share mutual interests.  

Is there any value to being a member of a professional society as a student?

Yes, some of the courses on offer in the applied/life sciences field are accredited by professional bodies e.g. Royal Society of Biology, Institute of biomedical Sciences, Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences etc. For those that do not offer accreditation, there are many other benefits. 

Regardless of your level of study or scientific field, it is of value to you as a student to be a member of a professional body. Firstly, it looks great on your CV and can often be a point of discussion during interviews.

Joining a professional society gives you access to magazines about the society, regular updates about events, conferences, volunteering opportunities, job opportunities and grants. Several UK societies offer summer bursaries of grants which allow second year students to undertake summer placements at their institution for about 8-12 weeks. For a student, this provides invaluable experience and many students who are successful in undertaking these internships/placements are able to demonstrate work experience and research experience on their CVs.

Better still, some of these internships lead to opportunities to present at conferences and can also contribute to published articles – imagine yourself as the author of a paper presented at a conference or on a journal article…this is for many what being a scientist is about.

For postgraduate and PhD students, professional societies play an important role in your career development.

Personally, I attribute a lot of my career progress to being connected to a wide network of researchers who I would not have been able to access without relevant professional society networking opportunities.

Several societies offer PhD studentships annually or grants for PhD students who are undergoing hardship or grants for self-funded students who need support. There are also many early career grants to help students at all levels to engage in research or scientific endeavour.

Meeting some of your scientific heroes or role models in the field is always exciting and a good reason to engage with professional bodies. I have met many of mine, I hope you get to meet yours as well through your professional society networks.

Do I need to be an expert to join?

No, many of these societies have different levels of membership starting from the student member category. This is really important as these societies and professional bodies recognise the value of having the future of the science among their ranks.

Students of today are the experts of tomorrow.

What if I don’t want to be a researcher?

Being a member of a professional society is not only relevant to those seeking research opportunities, most societies recognise that and cater for diverse member interests. While some students may not be interested in research, some may be creative or like to run school events etc. these societies welcome all types of members.  

But there are many societies, how do I know which to join?

While there are many societies (which is great), for students this can also present some confusion as to which may be more relevant or not. My advice, speak to your personal tutor or your course leader and ask them to recommend a society or two based on your course or your interests. Many of your tutors are already members of professional bodies and maintain their membership.

Helping you decide

I have produced a list of professional societies (not exhaustive) which you can have a look at. If you are a student in the School of Applied Sciences, I would encourage you to chat to your personal tutor or any member of staff you interact with and ask for advice on which societies they recommend.

Royal Society of Biology

Microbiology Society

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

The Genetics Society

Institute of Environmental Sciences

Royal Society of Chemistry

British Pharmacological Society

Biochemical Society

The Physiological Society

British Ecological Society

Applied Microbiology International

British Mycology Society

British Society for Immunology

British Society for Cell Biology

Institute of Biomedical Sciences

You may also benefit from an article I wrote years ago on why you should join a society. I include the link here for anyone who would like to learn more.

Why You Should Join a Professional Society

Enjoy reading and don’t forget to leave us a comment.

This article was written by Dr Emmanuel Adukwu, Deputy Head, School of Applied Sciences. If you have any question about this article or want to write a blog article, get in touch with us.

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UWE Bristol Virtual Science Futures Fair 2022

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

Science Futures is back! The Department of Applied Science welcomes you to our annual Science Futures fair taking place tomorrow (Wednesday 9th February 2020) online. This event brings together students and employers to discuss the diverse, wide range of roles available for life science graduates, internship opportunities, placements and more. Previously (pre-pandemic) Science Futures was held at UWE (see article) but similar to last year we will be online for 2022.

Not to worry, we have a great line up of employers engaging with our students on the virtual platform Handshake.

UWE Bristol Science Futures 2022

What to expect?

Science futures gives you (the student) the chance to ask questions, to learn about the types of roles on offer in different organisations and to ask as many burning questions that you may have about your career in the sciences or any other fields of interest. The attending organisations are sending delegates who understand what is like to be a student and are willing to provide ideas, suggestions and guidance on how you can develop your future plans and your career.

Engaging with Science futures 2022

Which organisations are attending?

We have a great list of organisations attending this year and interacting with students on the Handshake platform. They include

CatSci Ltd award-winning, fast-growing and agile innovation partner with a proven track record in developing economically and environmentally sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing processes

Cellmark provides wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary DNA and forensic casework services. In the world of forensic analytical services, the company is viewed as an innovator, with a proven international reputation for quality, reliability and service excellence.

Department for Education Get Into Teaching is a free service provided by the Department for Education to give information and advice to those who are looking at a career in teaching. The service provides expert advice and support to prepare a strong application to teacher training.

North Bristol NHS Trust the largest hospital trust in the South West of England, providing hospital and community Medical and dental care covering Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

Black Pharma  Social Enterprise with a vision to see greater representation of Black professionals across the Pharmaceutical industry. We provide support for black students, graduates and early career professionals to achieve their career ambitions.

Oncologica® provides precision oncology testing to address the growing demand for molecular profiling of cancer patients for targeted therapies and functions as a Contract Research Organisation to support biomarker and drug development programmes worldwide

SRG are a global STEM recruitment agency. We apply our specialist industry knowledge to the full spectrum of roles and talent solutions

IEMA the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. IEMA supports students looking to pursue a career in the environment and sustainability sector.

Zimmer and Peacock Ltd national and international nanotechnology and biosensing company, that work on making diagnostic measurements for a variety of causes

Keyence UK Ltd world leader in Sensors, Safety, Vision, Measurement and Microscopes. Founded in 1974, Keyence has experienced rapid growth, now turning over more than $5 billion global sales per year operating on over 50% profit due to our Direct Sales model! We have been on Forbes “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” Top 100 for 8 consecutive years and hold over 300,000 clients worldwide including top blue-chip manufacturers.

Do register on Handshake for the full list!

Who can attend?

This event is open to all Department of Applied Science students (undergraduate and postgraduate) including PhD students. It is also open to UWE Applied Sciences alumni. If you are or have studied any applied science courses from the department, this event is for you. The event is also open to staff who would like to engage with the attending organisations to find out more about the opportunities available in industry.

Not sure how to use Handshake?

If you are new to Handshake and not sure what to do, this video will help you sign up and guide you through the process: Handshake video walkthrough – registering and attending fairs

Virtual Job Wall

our colleagues in the careers team have also created a Wall of Work (WoW) with live job opportunities for you to apply for. Do check it out – it has lots of excellent opportunities.

We hope you have a fantastic Science Future 2022 and we look forward to connecting with you at the event

From the Science Futures organising team 
To follow our updates, you can connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Remember, you can also write for us if you have any personal stories to share or any interesting Careers or Employability information.

Scientists should think like designers – Design thinking and the sciences

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

Joseph, one of our team writers, has delivered yet another thought-provoking, inspiring article to help scientists elevate their thinking by thinking like designers. We hope you enjoy the read and challenge your thinking because of it!

Design thinking

I see design all around us, whether it be intentional or accidental, natural or human-made. Design is not limited to gizmos and gadgets, but also systems of organisation and interactions between them, the power structure when you envisage a countries parliament or a CEOs boardroom. None of these are free from the influence of design and this is shown in the Westminster system – a widely exported version of the UKs Parliament and is essentially a process for managing democracy.  

Communication unconsciously utilises design: we highly regard individuals who have the ability to create patterns of language which communicates technical, emotional and spatial information. The formation, structure and material content of communication and also its quality is subject to the influence of design; therefore, in our own way, we have a major influence over the language we create. This is because everything from your laptop screen (or any other device you are reading this on), to the experiments conducted in the worlds research institutions, and the words typed on this page is the subject of, at one point or another, a design methodology.

Photo by Leon from unsplash.

Personal

Focusing in on academia, the processes of curiosity demand the highest quality of design as it is essential in order to create data outcomes which can withstand criticism. Therefore, the ways we create experiments, communicate visions and translate data into the real world is influenced by the ability for academics to use good design techniques at every point in the process.

As a second-year biomedical science student, I have learnt to criticise papers that haven’t been kind to the readers or left room for doubt. For me this raised the question: where does poor experimental/ paper design end and bad science begin? Was it the language, experiment, graphical abstract, spelling, use of overly technical language? – these are all things we pick out of each other’s work and rightly so – but could the creators of the science improve their work by employing a form of design methodology? I think they probably could!

Photo by Christa Dodoo from unsplash.

Definitions and uses

I recently discovered the term design thinking. This is the process by which problems are solved by prioritizing the users of the systems needs above all else. It relies on observing, with empathy, how people interact with their environments, and employs an iterative, hands-on approach to creating innovative solutions (Graham Tuttle, 2021). As you can see, from the reference, I borrowed this definition from the WeWork website and modified it to give a more universal definition.

Now design thinking is cool because not only is it applicable to designing products, but also systems of government and everything in between. Therefore, it could, in theory, also be used to design good science and inform good practices within academic communities.

Fundamentally, design thinking is a way of designing around the human experience. There are some great books out there such as Tim Browns ‘Change By Design’ which I highly recommend keeping on hand for reference. This methodology is applicable to academics because it sets out a creative framework with certain guidelines to assure quality communication and quality development, which gives room for experimenting with ideas – all contributing to a quality end product. The obvious application of this in the sciences is in an idea that results in a human interacting product or service. More interestingly, design thinking can be applied within institutions and between scientific peers. This is because it promotes the use of prototypes, rough drawings, mimes and roleplay with a specific focus on quality communication and quality of understanding within the team – and this is a critical precursor to spectacular innovation.

Photo by Daniele Franchi from unsplash.

A new way to think

Thinking like a designer encourages a process called ‘Blue sky thinking’ – where members of the group innovate without the limitations of existing technology or the stiflings of ones own thoughts. This enables free reign when tackling novel problems. Design thinking is powerful because in the ideation stages, before the processes of creation has begun, we are provided with a framework that increases the potency of a group of scientists and their highly reactive mixture of energetic ideas.

Final thoughts

I believe a take-home message of how to apply what is such a broad methodology into each of our behaviours starts with the two following questions:

  • Have I thought about the users and those who will interact with the idea, with regards to what I have planned or will create?
  • Have I collaborated, communicated, innovated and iterated to the best of my ability and used as many mediums as possible to communicate and plan?

Try to think about how colleagues and peers would engage with your ideas – are they accessible? Do they promote innovation and creativity? By asking yourself these two questions throughout the lifetime of a project, I hope you will reap some of the benefits of thinking like a designer.

Please comment some of your thoughts below – do you already employ these ideas? Let us know in the box or by sending us an email.

Thank you for reading.

By Joseph Myatt

Edited by Jessica Griffith

Joseph Myatt

Joseph Myatt, one of our writers, is a 2nd year Biomedical Sciences student at UWE, Founder and entrepreneur at WRENt.

His main field of interest/ research through university and into masters/ PhD is in relation to torpor and improving our understanding of inducing, maintaining and managing torpor and its applications within space flight and medicinal benefits.

From the editor: We love articles that challenge us, especially how we think and Joes article has done just that. Thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope you find ways to employ the nuggets you have just been given to elevate your own scientific practice (this is for students and professionals!).

We always welcome new articles and so hope you will also consider either joining our team or writing an article for us to be featured on our blog. If so and/ or you have any other queries, please get in touch via and also be sure to follow us on social media!

Enjoy the lovely summer weather (for the most part) and see you next time!

References

Featured image: Photo by Daria Nepriakhina from unsplash.

Reaching Out – Career in Science Communication

Author Employability in Applied Sciences | Posted on

Piotr Sordyl wrote this article as a summary of the importance of science communication. If you’re looking for an exciting communication career and are passionate about science – reading this article could spark the next step for you! Enjoy the read.

Encountering Science Communication

The first time I encountered the idea of Science Communication was through wonderful books authored by Carl Sagan, an American scientist in the field of astronomy, an author, and a great science communicator. Through the explorations of tantalising topics and fascinating presentation of many reflection-inducing thoughts, his books sparked my interest in science and pursuit of the unknown. They also allowed me to realise how much the popularisation of science is needed in our world. By doing this, society—or more specifically, every person— would have access to and a better understanding of the vast pool of knowledge that discipline of thought unlocks for humankind, influencing and altering every aspect of our lives.

Science Communication is one of the non-traditional career paths open to an individual interested and passionate about science. Last year December, Andy Ridgway, who worked as a science journalist (and still writes) and is currently a Senior lecturer for MSc Science Communication/PgDip at the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol, hosted one of the DAS monthly employability seminars ‘Careers in science communication’ with guest Sophie Pavelle, a Campaign and Communications Coordinator for the Beaver Trust, Freelance Science Communicator and UWE alumni (graduate of MSc Science Communication). They both spoke about their experiences, the nature of Science Communication and steps worth taking in the pursuit of such a career.

Photo by Galen Crout from unslpash.

What it’s all about

What does Science Communication entail? As the name suggests, it focuses on communicating the science to the general public that are not experts themselves and have varied levels of understanding, helping make science approachable and comprehensible. Andy broadly summarized it as a science that is not published in scientific journals, but instead in magazines (e.g. New Scientist), or presented in shows, festivals, television, podcasts (e.g. SETI Institute’s Big Picture Science, or for the promotion of STEM). He also spoke of the important shift in paradigm in recent decades from simply reporting research to society to an increased engagement and dialog between the two – producing an exchange of knowledge and ideas.

A more open attitude in communication between science and society can lead to more people experiencing science and have a more informed view on it. Misinformation and misrepresentation of facts often lead to confusion, fear, and rejection of what is unknown or poorly understood. As science technology evolves, a reliable communication platform between science and society needs to be well established now more than ever. It is important that the ethical issues of how to best implement current and future discoveries, and if at all, is discussed on a societal level aswell.

Photo by Shahadat Rahman from unsplash.

What to expect

What can you do to become a Science Communicator? There is no one, simple answer to such a question, however, there are certain steps that you may wish to consider. The simplest would be to read a lot, as it will potentially lead to new discoveries and improve your vocabulary, style, and intuition of your own writing. Another step (suggested by Andy), is creating your own blog, allowing you to practice and develop your own skill whilst making your work available for others to read. Even if the blog is not on the matter of science, it allows you to show off your passion for a given topic and your writing capability.

You may also consider joining one of the many UWE blogs, such as this one, and write content for them. Alternatively, if you would like to author an article for a magazine, there is an opportunity to write for the departmental publication called Science Matters. If you are interested in this, email Andy (contact details below) and he will add your name to the writers list – you will be assigned a topic, which involves interviewing a researcher (a staff member or postgraduate student) and writing about it.

Photo by Headway from unsplash.

The Journey

Sophie shared her experiences of uncertainty along her own journey to where she is now. Her words can bring a little bit of solace to those who are worried about not having a set path yet: “There is beauty in not having a plan.”. I share that sentiment, and I wholeheartedly recommend you seek, explore and gain experiences, as all of them can lead you to discovering your life’s greatest passions, and discovering what makes you happy.

Nowadays, it is an advantage, often even a requirement, to have work experience — which can be daunting someone new to the job market. Sophie helpfully shared a few tips regarding how to search for a placement opportunity: make a list of your interests; google it; speak to people you know and including those who are (or might) be doing a placement and compare your experiences; keep your CV clear to read with highlights of what you have accomplished; and reach out to the organizations you are interested in working for by sending confident yet concise emails.

Another value in work experience pointed out by Sophie is that you can take that opportunity to see what you are good at, what you might like to do as a job, and what you might not. It is as valuable to quit something after five minutes, as it is to have a completed work experience—some places are right for us and some are not, and we can only benefit from paying attention to how they make us feel.

Photo by Felipe Furtado from unsplah.

Moving Forward

Yet another step you can take towards a career in Science Communication are further studies, such as MSc in Science Communication. Sophie (graduate) spoke highly of the course, emphasizing it as practical, non-lab based and highly creative.

Andy pointed out that UWE is one of the few universities in the UK that has a dedicated group of academics who research into Science Communication but also practice it as well, for example the Science for Environment Policy newsletter that goes across Europe (aimed at policy makers). The Science Communication unit at UWE is also involved in the RETHINK Project, which considers how science is communicated online, who does it, in what way, and how the information provided is perceived by its readers.

Photo by Wonderlane from unsplash.

Final Thoughts

Science Communication is an important part of science, especially since it serves as a spokesperson for the sciences in its interactions with the public. It also very importantly fulfils the role of a trusted friend and confidant — it listens to the worries and hesitations of the public and is responsible for relaying truthful and reliable information.

In the times like ours, when we face issues globally, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate and biodiversity crisis; Science Communication is essential to enable informed action and positive change in the right direction, to create a strong link between science and society (conversing as two respectful partners, without condescension, or fear), and to emphasize dependencies between the state of the natural world and condition of humankind. These are all great challenges for the new generation of Science Communicators to tackle.

To write for Science Matters, contact Andy Ridgway: Andy.Ridgway@uwe.ac.uk

Thank you for reading.

Written by Piotr Sordyl

Hello, my name is Piotr (I can assure you it is not as difficult to pronounce as it may seem) and I am a mature, international student on Foundation Year Biological Sciences course. I am originally from Poland, however, Bristol has been my home for over 7 years now (which sometimes makes me stagger when asked where I am from).


I take great pleasure in weaving tales, and so I have been writing and working on ideas for novels. I am interested in neuroscience, zoology, astrobiology, planetary science, to name a few and I intend to use the knowledge gained through my studies to write books, popularizing it to a wider audience.


I run roleplay games sessions for my friends, collaboratively telling stories that become alive in our shared imagination. I am also an aspiring violinist, learning how to take my first steps.

From the editors: Wow. We hope you are as inspired about the reach and potential of science communication as you are! Piotr shared so many nuggets from the DAS Monthly Employability seminar and we hope that you take this on in your pursuit of curiosity into the sciences.

As always, we welcome articles and contributions from everyone who has a story to tell and a question they would like to be answered through this blog platform. Please get in touch via email – ScienceFutures@uwe.ac.uk. Also connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter! 

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