CMAC Summer School 2023

Last week, CMAC students and staff gathered at the Hilton Dunblane Hydro hotel for CMAC Summer School 2023, a multi-day programme filled with workshops, seminars, and valuable networking opportunities.

Summer School is an annual, week-long programme that provides CMAC students and staff with the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of talented professionals who deliver insightful training throughout the week.

The CMAC team looks forward to this event as it represents the culmination of the formal training that CMAC PhD students receive during their first year with us. The event also provides a valuable opportunity to stay updated on the latest innovations and cutting-edge technology in the field of medicine manufacturing.

Day One

On the first day of Summer School, Dr. Mhairi Towler from Vivomotion conducted a workshop for the PhD students, focusing on enhancing their research presentation skills through the use of visual aids. The workshop provided students with valuable insights into graphic design principles and the utilization of infographics for effective research communication.

Day Two

Dr. Jennifer Rao-Williams FRSA from Skillfluence delivered an insightful presentation that focused on enhancing practical communication skills for the industry. This workshop equipped participants with the tools to engage more confidently with businesses, which, in turn, can be used to effectively translate their research and academic experience to meet business needs.

Day Three

Craig Patterson and Alfie Tiley from the DataLab conducted a session that delved into the realm of AI applications to enhance research efficiency. During this session, researchers explored ways to improve research productivity and efficiency while considering the ethical implications and future prospects of AI. The researchers subsequently developed a case study on the use of AR technologies in their research and presented it on the final day of the Summer School, where they had the opportunity to win financial support to further develop their idea.

Day Four

On the final day of CMAC Summer School 2023, researchers participated in various activities and competitions. The day started with an introductory session led by Director Prof. Alastair Florence, followed by a Dragon's Den-inspired AR pitch challenge. Afterwards, there were poster sessions where students had the opportunity to showcase their work. The day concluded with prize-giving sessions for the poster sessions and Dragons' Den contest, followed by dinner and a ceilidh.

CMAC would like to thank the Summer School 2023 event organisers Elba Becerra Mallo and Molly McLaughlin for creating a memorable and educational experience for all participants.

Winners of the poster sessions and Dragons Den contest will be announced on CMAC’s LinkedIn and Twitter pages next week.