The future of medicine and medical research is going under the microscope at TechFest 2019, with a range of workshops and presentations organised in partnership with experts from the University of Aberdeen.
One of the aims of TechFest 2019, which is supported by joint principal funders BP and Shell, is to engage young people in the four main STEM subjects and encourage them to go on to follow a career which utilises these skills by demonstrating that they are both fun and relevant in day to day life.
Those interested in learning more about the medical profession have a huge selection of events to choose from at this year’s festival, which runs in venues throughout Aberdeen until September 28.
Professor Simon Parson, regius chair of Anatomy at the University of Aberdeen will explore new drug treatments and how the lives of those with Motor Neurone Diseases (MND) can be improved in Motor Neurone Diseases: what’s next? (September 9).
There’s discussion from the University’s Institute of Applied Health Sciences on how patients can help improve health services in Bridging the gap: patient involvement in design of care (September 18) and in Medication can be harmful! What can I do to reduce the harm from taking medicine? (September 24) a team of medical students, research fellows, consultants and professors from the University will explore how patients can help prevent any unpleasant side effects.
With this year’s festival celebrating all things Made In Aberdeen, Advances in antibacterial and antifungal medicines – tackling antimicrobial resistance (September 16) shares a guide to antimicrobial resistance and how Aberdeen based companies are tackling this global challenge by developing new treatments.
There’s also the chance to explore the world’s first whole body MRI scanner which was developed and built in Aberdeen in the 1970s and used to diagnose over 1,000 patients, at Mark-1 MRI Scanner Exhibition, which is on permanent display at The Suttie Arts Space in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Top medical student researchers have been invited by Aberdeen Student Society for Academic Medicine to share their insights with members of the public in Tomorrow’s Doctors: Medical Students Leading Cutting-Edge Research (September 17) which is a series of short talks, suitable for anyone interested in science, healthcare or medicine.
Finally, visitors can find out how University of Aberdeen is working with partners from NHS Grampian and industry to create a secure platform to facilitate the use of Artificial Intelligence as diagnostic tools in a health case environment in Alexa make me an appointment with RoboDoc (September 27).
Sarah Chew, managing director of TechFest, said: “Aberdeen scientists have been instrumental in some key medical advances including finding the cure to diabetes and the development of the world’s first MRI scanner.
“As TechFest 2019 aims to celebrate all things Made in Aberdeen, we’re particular pleased to have such a strong presence of local medical professional showcasing the research and development currently underway in the city and of course demonstrating how STEM skills can be applied in the medical profession.”
Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, head of the University of Aberdeen School of Medicine, Medicine and Nutrition said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in TechFest again this year. Aberdeen has been responsible for pioneering medical research in the past and continues to do so today, and this is an excellent opportunity to showcase this reputation of excellence.”
Sarah added: “None of this would be possible without the help we receive from our sponsors and supporters, in particular our joint principal funders Shell and BP, whose continued backing allows us to engage people of all ages in the fantastic opportunities that STEM can offer.”
To view the entire TechFest public programme, sponsored by Equinor, please visit www.techfest.org.uk
Prof Jim Hutchison and Mark