The RCSI Research Summer School 2022 (RSS) commences this week with more than 120 undergraduate students taking part in research activities at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The RSS aims to foster an understanding in students of how research drives scientific breakthroughs and insights, which ultimately benefit patients and society.

Now in its 12th year, the programme immerses undergraduate students in the diverse RCSI research environment. Over the next eight weeks, the RSS will provide students with a comprehensive programme of activities to introduce them to basic and core research skills as well as providing many with the opportunity to undertake hands-on research under the supervision of RCSI Principal Investigators and their teams.

Research topics range across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and inflammation, microbiology, neurosciences, physiology, and population health and health services.

Working with RCSI academics, participating students will develop essential skills in project management, data management and analysis, scientific writing and presentation, as well as core laboratory techniques and approaches to patient-focused research.

The programme is supported by RCSI Alumni and friends as well as RCSI corporate partners including GlaxoSmithKiline, Pfizer, Perrigo, Medical Protection Society, Novo Nordisk, Servier and UPMC.

The annual RCSI Student Innovation Challenge, organised by RCSI Office of Research and Innovation and the RSS, provides students with the opportunity to develop ideas and innovations that have the potential to solve some of the biggest challenges in healthcare. The teams will be tasked with addressing real-world challenges presented by RCSI-associated clinician scientists, pitching creative solutions to a panel of health innovation and venture capital judges at the 2022 Pitch Event.

Professor Hannah McGee, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs at RCSI, said: “With a focus on patient-centred and clinical research, RCSI researchers lead impactful discoveries to address key health challenges. Working closely with RCSI Principal Investigators, the Research Summer School offers our undergraduate students the unique opportunity to develop their understanding of the key skills needed to find solutions to questions in health sciences.”

Dr Niall Stevens, Senior Lecturer and Director of the RSS, said: “The opportunity to develop skills in research is truly valued by all our undergraduate students. The programme offers them an early opportunity to appreciate the importance for their future careers as healthcare professionals and the role they will play in ensuring the continued delivery of cutting-edge patient care in an ever changing healthcare environment.”