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An inaugural showcase event at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Leicester (²ÝÁñÊÓƵ) brought to life how innovative education and research programmes are improving patient care.

Students, academic staff and researchers exhibited their work to industry experts from organisations including Boots, Pfizer and Lloyds Pharmacy at the Pharmacy Showcase of Innovation.

More than 170 attendees gathered at The Venue@²ÝÁñÊÓƵ for the event, where students were also given the opportunity to pitch questions in a panel discussion with industry experts and network with leading figures in the sector.

Sejal Gohil, Programme Leader for Clinical Pharmacy MSc, explained the motivation behind the showcase:

“The Leicester School of Pharmacy wanted to highlight all the great work that the students do, from an undergraduate level through to a research level, and demonstrate how their work makes a massive difference in improving patient outcomes” she said.

“We also wanted to give our students a great platform to engage and network with industry experts and stakeholders.”

During an inspiring keynote speech, the President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Sandra Gidley gave advice for graduate pharmacists starting their careers.

“If you have a good idea, don’t give up, keep going until you get there,” she said. “Persistence really does pay.”

“Step outside of your comfort zone, learn how the world around you works and how you can change things for the better.”

The event showcased the latest pharmaceutical research being undertaken at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. Dr Nicoleta Moisoi, Associate Professor in Pharmacology and Director of Leicester Institute for Pharmaceutical Innovation, gave an overview of current research.

“We have exciting projects looking at drug discovery and development, drug manufacturing, water treatment, early detection of diseases, neuropharmacology of brain disorder, antibiotic resistance and novel therapies for dementia,” she said.

“²ÝÁñÊÓƵ has successfully grown its research grant income over previous consecutive years, and we are delivering high quality research focussed on the study of medicines, healthcare products and services.”

Helen Root, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice discussed the GP Placement Education Programme during her presentation, where students are able to gain hands-on experience in GP practices.

“More than 200 Pharmacy students have now been placed in GP training hubs,” she said. “It’s really developed the confidence of our final year students.”

She also spoke about the use of innovative learning environments.

“The Cube is a 360-degree interactive teaching space, which allows students to learn in an immersive, yet safe, environment. Students can orientate themselves in a workplace setting before going out on placement,” Helen explained.

Third year Pharmacy student Adam Baker said: “It was great to meet lots of external stakeholders related to the course, who were here to talk to us about how they can engage with the university and the students.”

Jay Patel, also in his third year studying Pharmacy, added: “By talking with the external personnel and visitors, you can gain a better understanding of the business side of pharmacy – it’s been a really nice experience for us students.”

The event closed with the unveiling of a plaque to recognise the significant and valued contributions of Colin Gunn and Sidney Carter, who were Head and Deputy Head of the Leicester School of Pharmacy respectively.

Their children and grandchildren, along with alumni taught by the academics, attended the event to commemorate the positive impact made by the two gentlemen on the development of the school.