Part of CLAHRC-LNR’s work is to engage with the public and make them aware of the importance of research evidence. The Health Research for Schools programme is one way that we are trying to address this, through engaging with school children and more widely their families. The programme also addresses another of CLAHRC’s key aims in helping people to make informed decisions about their healthcare and wellbeing.

The Health Research for Schools team in the Department of Health Sciences of the University of Leicester was formed to promote communication with the local community about health research. The team is interested in the public understanding where health policy and Government recommendations originate. By involving school children in the research process we hope they will be better equipped to understand and interpret health messages in the future.

The Health Research for Schools programme aims to work with children from local schools to explain what health research is, why it's important and how we do it. Pupils will be able to actively engage in research activity, understand how we collect health information and how it informs the health of the public.

Health Research for Schools aim to

• Generate an understanding, interest and excitement for science and health research among primary school children
• Encourage aspirations for a university science education
• Support formal learning in science and health by developing sustainable partnerships between primary schools and university staff

This will be done by

• Undertaking a series of hands-on science research activities with primary school children to develop confidence, self-esteem and communication and problem solving skills
• Developing a model of sustainable partnership between primary schools and university staff to support formal learning in science.

Health Research for schools Projects

Engagement project – started September 2007

Staff initiated a project to engage primary school children with scientific health research in an accessible and fun way and introduce the university to pupils and their families. The project enhanced the curriculum in numeracy, literacy, science, and citizenship. It was delivered in four Leicester City primary schools involving 210 children over a 12 month period.

Children's Conference – 26^th April 2008

23 children presented their mini health research projects to an audience of 70 people comprising, parents, teachers, fellow pupils and university staff.  The project was very well received and feedback from all sources was excellent.

Our Outreach Programme

We feel this initiative has a contribution to make at a number of levels: by making science a fun, interesting activity; by reinforcing healthy behaviours; and encouraging an aspiration to university education.

Currently a one day outreach programme is offered for pupils from year 5 and 6 entitled – Exploring Health:  My day as a health researcher.

The day takes place at the University of Leicester and comprises an interactive day of challenges.  The day starts with a short presentation describing health and research and the plan for the day. A series of challenges are then facilitated by a university researcher working with small groups and covers topics such as: Who does health research? learning about measuring accurately in health, choosing a sample and making comparisons, and collecting, recording and graphing data.

Throughout the day the children complete a handbook where they enter data, answer questions and stick in charts and graphs they create, they take this home with them at the end of the day.

Future Plans

We are keen to work with schools to develop programmes for different age groups to promote an understanding of health and health care messages. Please contact us if you would like to your pupils to be involved in future activities.

To find out more about the project, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Or visit the health research for schools website