The RCSI Research Summer School 2023 is taking place for the month of June with more than 175 undergraduate students taking part in research activities at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

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

Now in its 13th year, the programme immerses undergraduate students in the diverse RCSI research environment. Running over eight weeks, the summer school provides students with a comprehensive programme of activities to introduce them to basic and core research skills as well as providing some 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, pharmacy practice, population health and delivery of health services.

Working with RCSI academics, participating students will develop essential skills in project management, bioinformatics, simulation, 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 GSK, Perrigo and MPS. 

The annual RCSI Student Innovation Challenge, organised by RCSI Office of Research and Innovation and the Research Summer School, 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 2023 pitch event at the end of June.

Professor Hannah McGee, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs at RCSI, said: “By working closely with RCSI Principal Investigators, students at the Research Summer School are immersed into a world-class research experience where they can apply what they have learned in their education so far and 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 Research Summer School, said: “The Research Summer School is fantastic opportunity for our undergraduate students to develop the core skills needed for their future careers. The diverse programme gives them a unique insight into the role they will play in ensuring the continued delivery of cutting-edge patient care in an ever-changing healthcare environment.”