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Young Ambassador Programme
The first Tenovus-Strathclyde Ambassadors Programme took place 10-12th June, hosted within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde A total of fourteen pupils from Eastbank Academy in Glasgow participated, selected by Depute Head Teacher Greig Millar for their strong engagement and potential in science subjects. Spanning S4 to S6, the pupils were at different stages in their academic journeys but shared a strong interest in medical science. Notably, one student had already secured a place to study Medicine at the University of Glasgow, another was applying for Biomedical Engineering at Strathclyde, and several others expressed ambitions in fields such as paediatrics and haematology.
The programme aimed to:
- Inspire young people—particularly those who may not have previously considered higher education or careers in medicine;
- Highlight the pivotal role of Tenovus in advancing medical research and innovation;
- Promote the University of Strathclyde’s undergraduate opportunities, particularly within Biomedical Engineering.
These goals shaped a dynamic three-day programme of interactive talks, lab sessions, and facility visits.
Day One opened with a warm welcome on campus and distribution of Tenovus welcome packs. Pupils were introduced to the field of Biomedical Engineering by Dr Peter Childs, followed by an engaging microbiology mini-lecture from Dr Lucy Sinclair and Dr David Griffin, both Research Associates in the department. Students also participated in practical lab activities including cell microscopy, safety procedures, and biochemical assays.
Day Two began with a panel session featuring current Biomedical Engineering undergraduate students, offering the Eastbank pupils insights into student life and pathways into higher education. This was followed by tours of the National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics and the Rehabilitation Suite, where pupils explored gamification in rehabilitation and the use of computer-assisted environments in patient care.
Day Three shifted focus toward medical innovation, led by Dr Natalie McDougall (Strathclyde Business School and Tenovus Fundraising Committee member). Pupils were introduced to Tenovus as a charity and the vital role of fundraising in supporting cutting-edge research. They then engaged in innovation workshops, applying their learning from Days One and Two to develop their own medical research ideas. Dr Monica Kerr expanded on this theme, illustrating how Tenovus funding has supported her research and professional journey. Pupils also enjoyed further research talks from Dr Kimia Witte explored diagnostic technologies in additional lab sessions with Dr Melanie Jimenez, before each was awarded a Tenovus-Strathclyde Ambassadors Programme certificate, presented by Kate Sloane (Glasgow Caledonian University and Tenovus).
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Pupils shared the following reflections:
- “It encouraged me to share my ideas out loud—even if I thought they were silly.”
- “I was introduced to careers I never would have looked into.”
- “I discovered I’m really interested in biomedical engineering and would 100% love to study it at university.”
- “I learned about different medical topics for PhDs, which I might want to pursue in the future.”
- “There are so many opportunities—I definitely feel there’s a place for me in medicine.”
This successful pilot programme demonstrated the impact of collaborative outreach in broadening horizons, building confidence, and nurturing the next generation of medical innovators, with Tenovus embedded at the core.
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