INSPIRE Special Event – Inspiring students to get involved with dental research

The recent one-day conference, INSPIRE, was the first of its kind: a national undergraduate research event with the eponymous aim to inspire dental students to engage in research. It was made possible by a grant from the Academy of Medical Sciences, with funding matched by King’s College London Dental Institute, the host institution.

The grant was awarded to Dr’s Helen Petersen and Rupert Austin, with the support of Professors Dianne Rekow, Mike Lewis and Paul Speight, who all recognise the importance of encouraging budding dentists to engage with research and dental academia.

The Deans of all UK dental schools were invited to select 5 undergraduate students who all were given the opportunity to present their research on the day. Over 60 staff, students and leading academics from 11 different dental schools were welcomed to King’s College London and 39 undergraduate research projects were presented - it was intriguing to see the wide array of topics, from oral health in prisons to patterns of palatine rugae.

The conference involved talks from internationally-recognised dental academics as well as workshops on how to progress in academia. KCL student Catherine Liu's highlights were listening to Professors Dianne Rekow, Helen Whelton and Joanna Zakrzewska describing their very different paths to reach the extraordinary positions that they now hold, with the shared, resounding message of “Don’t give up”, as well as placing an emphasis on the important role of female dental academics.

"I am exceptionally grateful to have had this opportunity to speak in front of such distinguished academics and peers, and even more so to have been awarded first prize for my research into the validation of low-cost 3D facial scanners" says Catherine.

"It was a fantastic event that expanded my knowledge with helpful advice, and definitely inspired me to pursue more research experience. All the new ‘INSPIRE student Research Champions’ will be disseminating the energy and enthusiasm to their respective schools by organising their own follow-up research events – those who are interested should contact their Dean to find out more!"

 Read more about Catherine's winning project here.