It is well known that Hull York Medical School (HYMS) conducts world-class research and has an extensive network of doctors and scientists who work closely with students. For a number of years now, medical students have been encouraged to get even more involved in this field via different means: one of these is the INSPIRE project.
INSPIRE is a project which was launched in 2013 and organised by the Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences to encourage medical and dental students to gain experience and understanding in research. In the last academic year, there were 19 applications sent by medical students and their principal investigators (PIs) to the HYMS INSPIRE selection panel. They have all received funds from either the INSPIRE grant or HYMS itself, as declared by Professor Trevor Sheldon, Dean of Hull York Medical School, during a post-offer open day last March.
Another new investment that will further develop the medical school’s research capability is the £28-million Health Campus being created at the University of Hull. Due to be completed for 2017, the Allam Medical Building will include some of the best specialised medical teaching facilities in the United Kingdom. It has been funded in-part with a donation of £7-million from distinguished honorary graduate of the University of Hull, Dr Assem Allam. On 21st September, Dr Allam himself will attend the topping out ceremony of the new medical building at the University of Hull. As part of the programme, he will be guided around a poster display at the Derwent Café exhibition area. HYMS researchers and medical students will have the opportunity to present their work as a poster and to discuss it with the attendees.
I am looking forward to presenting the research project I have undertaken with Dr Antonios Matsakas at the Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (CCMR) over the past five months. I am confident this will be an invaluable experience and an excellent event to present the continuing, outstanding research which takes place at HYMS.
Vassili Crispi is a second year medical student at HYMS with a keen interest in surgery and medical research. In his spare time he likes reading, listening to Anastacia music, playing his sax and clarinet, and travelling.
