Outreach and Engagement
We're passionate about engaging with key stakeholder groups, demonstrating how we deliver world-leading education and research, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals and enhancing public awareness of our role in driving the ongoing enhancement of human health. Our outreach and engagement activities bring together our students and researchers, patients, and the public to explore the exciting world of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.
Our Commitment to Outreach and Engagement
We believe that education and research in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences should make a real difference to people’s lives. Through outreach, public engagement, and partnerships, we aim to:
- Inspire young people to consider careers in science and healthcare
- Inform the public about advances we are making in medicines and health technologies
- Collaborate with patients and communities to ensure our education and research meets real-world needs, enhancing human health
We contribute to and deliver a range of activities within the University, and across Northern Ireland and further afield, including:
- Science at Queen’s – designed to spark curiosity in STEM subjects
- The Northern Ireland Science Festival - enabling members of the public to discover more about our work, and contribution to the healthcare sector globally
- University applicant events - allowing our prospective students to tour our facilities, and learn more about the world-leading education we provide
- Careers presentations – providing guidance and support for students considering entering a career in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences
- Pathway Opportunity Programme – offering subject-specific support, academic skills training, summer schools, and more, supporting eligible students from underrepresented areas and communities to study at the School of Pharmacy
We actively involve the public, patients and their carers in shaping our education and research activities, enabling impactful, and life-improving outcomes in a range of ways, including:
- Our Patient and Public Engagement Forum which consists of members from diverse backgrounds across Northern Ireland, providing ongoing input into School activities
- Ensuring that patient involvement is embedded throughout our MPharm programme, including via the delivery of patient led workshops and lived experience sessions that support the development of communication skills, clinical insight, and compassionate care
- Engaging with patients and public contributors to support our research by shaping priorities, informing study design, and aiding dissemination to ensure research addresses real world needs
We participate in the University's Pathway Opportunity Programme (POP), supporting students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in studying pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast:
- POP takes the form of a one-year programme (from January of school Year 13 to December of school Year 14), providing academic support and insight into student life at QUB
- The programme is designed for students who meet widening participation eligibility criteria
- Successful completion of the programme makes participating students eligible for a £1,000 bursary, a guaranteed interview or conditional offer for relevant programmes at the School, and potential grade reduction
Further details about the programme are available via the link above or by contacting pop@qub.ac.uk (general queries) or Dr Vicky Kett (via v.kett@qub.ac.uk) for queries related to the School of Pharmacy.
We collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and professional bodies to:
- Share our research expertise, driving the future of healthcare products and services
- Support continuing professional development (CPD) for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals
- Drive innovation through joint research projects
