Extra-curricular research initiatives in the School of Medicine

Outside of your MBChB Medicine degree, there are many other ways to engage with research at ARU. These include a student forum, conferences, and voluntary research roles.

Student Researcher Matching Scheme

This initiative helps you explore research opportunities aligned with your academic and career interests.

You can either identify research groups independently or complete a short survey at the start of each academic year outlining your research interests, to receive tailored recommendations.

The scheme offers an informal ‘research taster’ experience, providing opportunities to engage and network with active researchers.

Annual School of Medicine Research Conference

As well as being a highlight of each academic year, our annual conference gives you the chance to gain additional research skills.

You're invited to volunteer for Conference Committee roles to gain experience in organising this type of research event.

Additionally the Conference has dedicated oral and poster presentation slots for School of Medicine students.

Student Research Forum

Connect with other undergraduate medical students who are actively engaged in research, or interested in becoming involved.

This forum is a collaborative space where you can share details of upcoming research activities and opportunities, exchange ideas, and discuss any challenges you're facing.

It aims to:

  • foster a sense of community
  • encourage peer support
  • provide a platform for open dialogue
  • give you opportunities to network with fellow students
  • act as a conduit for communication between medical students and the School of Medicine research team.

Phase Research Leads

The Phase Research Lead is a voluntary role for students. As a Phase Lead, you'll promote research engagement in each phase of the Medicine course.

Acting as a link between students and staff, Phase Leads help to share research opportunities, support student-led initiatives, and represent the School of Medicine at relevant events.

This role offers valuable experience in academic leadership, networking, and communication.

Research conferences

Presenting at conferences is an excellent way to showcase your research, develop professional skills, and engage with the wider medical community.

We're committed to helping you do this, Support includes:

  • funding assistance: apply for financial support to contribute to registration fees, travel, and accommodation
  • opportunities to present: we actively promote student participation in local, national, and international conferences.

Students have secured funding from the School of Medicine to attend a number of conferences. Examples include:

  • Royal College of Emergency Medicine Conference
  • ICERI 2025, 18th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
  • World Congress of Neurosurgery
  • British Orthopaedic Association Annual Congress 2025, Preventing Harm & Transforming Lives
  • International Conference on Cancer and Oncology Research
  • British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) Research and Publishing Conference
  • Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Conference