“Today we really got to feel the scale and breadth of the life-changing research being undertaken right here in Leicester and it made me feel incredibly proud to be part of the BRC.”
These are the words of Dr Aarti Parmar, Manager of the NIHR Leicester BRC, speaking for everyone who attended our 2023 Symposium on 2 November.
A keynote speech from Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak Chief Scientist (Health) for the Scottish Government and Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Glasgow, was one of the highlights of the day.
Dame Anna talked to 200 delegates that attended from the Leicester BRC about health inequalities, innovation and research infrastructure in Scotland. She spoke about her personal career journey, and answered questions about how she came to Scotland with her husband after graduating from medicine in Gdansk, Poland.
On the NHS, Dame Anna said: “I’m a huge believer in the NHS, I moved to the UK, because of the opportunities available in clinical research. And, when asked about the BRC, she added: “I’m very jealous. If I got my wish for research and innovation in Scotland the first thing I would have would be a BRC.”
She followed our Theme leads and researchers who gave talks on their current research. From studies into thunderstorms and asthma, COPD and environmental factors, diabetes and cardiovascular disease to Leicester’s 10 year-long Exceed study, the audience heard the scale and breadth of the research being undertaken within the BRC, all with the aim of helping people live longer, healthier lives.
Meanwhile, four members of the public kindly gave up their time to attend the event, and join a panel discussion on Public Involvement. Asked why they became involved in research the audience heard: “To help my son”, “to give something back after my heart bypass”, “to share the views of my community”.
Early careers researchers within the BRC presented their work during quick fire rounds and a poster presentation.
The winning presenter was: Rebecca Allsopp, with her work: Genomic analysis of circulating tumour cells for guiding treatment decisions in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
The winning poster was: Rikesh Panchak with his work: Personal air pollution exposure during morning commute car and active transport journeys.
Huge congratulations to Rebecca and Rikesh.
To stay up to date with the work going on at the BRC, please visit our news pages.
To get involved in research, please click here.