Stage One: Research Taster Days

The first stage saw the successful execution of research taster days on March 12th and 14th. Loreto College, Runshaw College, Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, Rossall College, and Blackpool Sixth Form were invited to participate. These sessions allowed students to experience hands-on research activities, sparking their curiosity and interest in psychology.

Stage Two : Mentoring Sessions

In preparation for the conference, we organised three online mentoring sessions over three weeks. Each group of 3-5 students, drawn from different schools, covered:

1. Understanding research and getting started.
2. Refining study design.
3. Presenting research as a poster.

Dr. Calum Hartley prepared the mentoring materials, which were presented by five of our PhD student mentors. Throughout these sessions, students designed their hypothetical studies, documenting their ideas in research posters, which were professionally printed ahead of the conference.

Stage Three: The Summer College Conference

The final stage of our outreach plan focused on three key objectives:

1. Addressing the need highlighted by partner colleges to help pupils prepare for university-level psychology by enhancing their understanding of research.
2. Building relationships with motivated students and showcasing Lancaster University as an excellent place to study psychology and engage in research, thereby increasing the likelihood of applications.
3. Strengthening relationships with target colleges, encouraging them to promote Lancaster University to other students considering psychology.

Our conference welcomed Cardinal Newman College, Runshaw College, Queen Elizabeth School Sixth Form, and Rochdale College. Each institution promoted the conference and selected students particularly interested in studying psychology at university. To ensure a focused and productive event, we capped the number of students from each school.

The Conference Itinerary

The conference followed a structured itinerary:

• 12:00-12:15: Arrival at Charles Carter.
• 12:15-12:45: Introductory talk in the lecture theatre.
• 12:45-13:15: Lunch.
• 13:15-14:00: Poster presentations and mingling with academics.
• 14:00-14:30: Research talk by Dr. Jamie Benjamin.
• 14:30-14:50: Student Q&A session.
• 14:50-15:00: Prize and award giving.

Gina and the student ambassadors started the day by setting up poster boards in Charles Carter. Once the schools arrived, the event kicked off with an introductory talk that covered the importance of research in advancing knowledge and informing practice, the role of research in undergraduate and postgraduate psychology education, an overview of the Psychology Department’s research groups, and the event’s itinerary. Key contacts and the Head of Department were introduced.

After a catered lunch, students presented their research posters to our academics. Each group provided a five-minute presentation, discussing their research questions and proposed methodologies. Following the poster presentations, Dr. Jamie Benjamin delivered an engaging lecture on 'attractiveness.'

Awards and Recognition

The event concluded with an awards ceremony. Prizes were given for 'Best Poster' and 'Most Innovative Research Idea.' All participating students received certificates, with winners receiving additional recognition and prizes for their achievements.

The Psychology Summer College Conference not only achieved its objectives but also created a dynamic and inspiring environment for prospective psychology students. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to foster a passion for psychology in future cohorts.