(Average reading time - 2 minutes)
A unique opportunity for students to delve into the world of clinical research was recently provided by the Anne Rowling Clinic, as part of the Edinburgh BioQuarter Schools Internship Programme. The interactive workshop not only introduced students to the key stages of conducting a clinical trial but also allowed them to participate in a simulated trial, making decisions on which drug to use and experiencing the trial process firsthand.
During the session, students were randomly assigned to a mock clinical trial and tasked with performing various assessments, including a timed distance walk and a nine-hole peg test, to determine if they could distinguish between the 'drug' and the 'placebo'. This hands-on approach gave students a deeper understanding of the clinical trial process and the importance of participant involvement.
The workshop, hosted by members of the Anne Rowling Clinic research team, covered the entire clinical trial journey, from developing a research question to sharing findings. Students gained insight into the various roles involved in clinical research and how discoveries are translated into improvements in patient care. The session also emphasised the importance of ethics, patient involvement, and collaboration in ensuring clinical research is both safe and effective.
A key aspect of the workshop was the analysis of results and data, where students learned about the crucial role of statistical significance in determining the effectiveness of a treatment. They discovered how to distinguish between meaningful results and chance occurrences, and how to interpret data to draw conclusions about the efficacy of a drug. This understanding of statistical significance is vital in clinical research, as it helps researchers to identify which results are reliable and worthy of further investigation, and which may be due to random variation.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the workshop was the opportunity for students to hear from clinical researchers themselves, who shared their unique career journeys. The researchers' paths to their current roles were hugely varied, highlighting the many ways and paths that can lead to a career in research. The researchers' stories demonstrated that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pursuing a career in clinical research.
Participating in this activity was a really rewarding experience. It was great to see young students excited about the work that we do. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss and reflect on my journey from a HNC in applied science to my current role.
Jessica Gill, Assistant Clinical Database Manager
The school interns provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the workshop's interactive approach, engaging group activities, and hands-on experiences. In particular, they enjoyed the challenging task of writing down letters and numbers as quickly as possible, which simulated the type of cognitive assessments used in clinical trials.
The Edinburgh BioQuarter Schools Internship Programme aims to provide young people with hands-on experiences in healthcare, research, and life sciences, and the Anne Rowling Clinic's contribution to the programme hopes to inspire students to pursue careers in clinical research.
Watch our workshop photo gallery
This short video (less than 1-minute) captures some of the highlights of the recent workshop. Permission obtained by Edinburgh BioQuarter Intern Programme team.
Relevant links
Discover more about Edinburgh BioQuarter's programme offering opportunities for young people in our local community to develop employment skills: