IGHI launches the first Global Health Summer School for Year 13 Students

Students participating in the IGHI Global Health Summer School

Last week, the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) hosted its first Global Health Summer School for 22 Year-13 students from London schools

The week-long programme was devised and organised by Sophie Pieters (IGHI Operations Officer), Holly Merton (Julia Anderson Trainee - Cohort 6) and Steve McAteer (IGHI Director of Operations and Global Health), and held at the South Kensington campus, offering an exciting range of employability-based workshops, career talks, project work, and social activities.

The Global Health Summer School had the aim of widening participation and increasing awareness of a wide range of careers in global health. 

Moreover, the programme aimed to increase accessibility, particularly for students from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds, those living in areas with lower progression to higher education, students with caring responsibilities, and those whose grades might not meet the criteria of traditional summer schools.

To increase accessibility, the Summer School was free of charge to the students, transport costs were refunded, and lunch was provided.

Project Work

Throughout the week, students worked in groups on a bespoke project covering a Global Health challenge with support from staff members across IGHI. Project themes were reflective of the ongoing research within the Institute, including artificial intelligence, healthy ageing, behavioural science, patient safety, climate change and mental health.

Each project encouraged innovation and creativity of the students, concluding with a Dragon’s Den style presentation in front of a panel of judges.

The Patient Safety project group presented the winning project, a marketing campaign raising awareness on “Martha’s Rule”.

The team designed a website, posters, and leaflets on this new patient safety initiative, enabling patients and families to seek an urgent review if their condition deteriorates.

Workshops

Students engaged with a range of employability-based workshops, focusing on presentation and communication skills, as well as online networking. Each student was also given the opportunity to be interviewed by two IGHI staff members. Students also practiced their interpersonal and debate skills through a debate workshop, where groups were required to clearly communicate the ethical implications of a range of health topics.

Social activities included a trip to the Science Museum for an interactive gaming exhibition, allowing the students to form new friendships, build confidence and develop interpersonal skills. One participant said, ‘‘I loved visiting the museum and getting to know my fellow summer school participants. It was very interactive and fun!’’

Career Talks

Staff from across IGHI joined to host a wide variety of career talks across the week. Students were encouraged to stay curious and ask questions, whilst learning about the variety of different pathways that can be taken to enter their future careers. 

Anna Lawrence-Jones (Public Involvement Lead), Gianpaolo Fusari (Senior Designer Helix Centre), Francis Ugwu (Clinical Research Fellow), and Clarissa Gardner (Honorary Research Fellow) delivered short talks.

Francis inspired the students by emphasising the importance of not being afraid to fail, building skills early on, and learning through experience to improve continuously. 

Feedback from students

The event had a significant impact on the students, with many expressing newfound interest and confidence in pursuing a career in health and having made lifelong friendships with their peers.

When asked what their favourite part of the Summer School had been, Mary responded: 

‘‘I found the mock interviews really informative, giving a sense of what a real-life interview will be like.’’ Mary Summer School participant

Rihanna commented: ‘‘During the Career talks, it was nice to hear about the different backgrounds of IGHI staff and how they had led them here. I’ve been able to take away key skills that will be useful when entering the workplace.’’

Arya provided advice for students looking to attend similar events in the future:

‘‘They should definitely apply if they want to expand their horizons and explore opportunities that they wouldn’t get otherwise.

‘‘I really enjoyed working with peers on a subject we were not familiar with. This is an important skill to learn whilst also having a fun time.’’

Zain shared what he enjoyed most about the programme:

‘‘I particularly enjoyed networking with the people around, especially the staff, who have all been lovely.

‘‘This is how to make the most out of the experience.’’

Julia Anderson Training Programme

Students attending the Global Health Summer School were introduced to IGHI’s successful Julia Anderson Training Programme, which offers paid work experience to people who have no, or limited, prior work experience. Since 2022, the programme has received over 1,100 applications and welcomed 19 trainees over 6 cohorts.

Deborah, a trainee from the second cohort, reflected on her experience working as the Mental Health Trainee.

She shared that one of the aspects she enjoyed most was the chance to work on a meaningful project, where she was a member of the team.

She added that she was given so many amazing opportunities which contributed to her future career success.

Applications will open this September, as the programme welcomes the 7^th cohort, with the Behavioural Science Trainee role having no degree requirements. Please visit our website to find out more about the application process. 

The Global Health Summer School was made possible thanks to the generous support of the EDI-Seed Fund from Imperial College London, and Melanie Bottrill and Marissa Baxter from Imperial’s Outreach Team.

With thanks to our incredible team of Student Ambassadors who worked tirelessly behind the scenes: Drishya Karthik, Bhakti Kataria, Faysal Nasari, and Devi Pathak. 

All photo credits: Holly Merton