Thousands inspired by healthcare science

More than 26,000 young people from Essex and Suffolk have learnt about the value of healthcare science and careers in the sector thanks to events and activities organised by the University of Essex in partnership with the NHS, charities, schools and colleges.

The University is home to the Centre for Healthcare Science which is developing courses to support the region’s workforce, while also looking to uncover the healthcare science workers of the future by encouraging youngsters to consider careers in science.

Since January 2025, thousands of students have taken part in the events organised by the Centre to raise awareness of the variety of different careers within Healthcare Science, increase interest in science at school and showcase study opportunities at the University.

This included in-school workshops and talks, on-campus interactive sessions, online sessions with healthcare scientists, primary science fun days and mentoring.

This important work has been supported by colleagues in the School of Life Sciences and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering plus the ESNEFT Talent for Care programme, Integrated Care Boards, FreeportEast and charity IntoUniversity.

The University also worked in partnership with Essex County Council to deliver the Step into STEAM event.

Outreach Officer Olivia Solanke said: “Reflecting on the impact of our outreach work with children across Essex and parts of Suffolk, I am incredibly grateful to the academics who opened up their specialist teaching spaces and delivered engaging, interactive workshops; to the NHS clinicians who gave their time to inspire the future workforce; and to the schools who placed their trust in the University of Essex to bring this work to life for their students.

“Over the past year and a half, we have seen the real power of partnership between education and industry in raising aspirations and directly improving outcomes for young people. The Centre for Healthcare Science has delivered 26,674 outreach encounters, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists and I am immensely proud to have played a part in that.”

Dean of Integrated Health and Care Partnerships at Essex, Professor Vicky Joffe, said: “Outreach is a core objective of The Centre for Healthcare Science. Through strong partnerships across education, health and industry, this outreach work has enabled us to raise awareness of healthcare science careers and excite and inspire the next generation to explore their potential future career in the health and social care arena.

"Outcomes of this work include widening participation, enhancing accessibility and inclusion to healthcare careers and ensuring the future pipeline of the health and social care workforce.”