MRC Biostatistics Unit
Innovative and effective communication is crucial in supporting the overall Unit mission. The BSU covers many areas of statistical application which are of great interest and relevance to the general public.
We co-ordinate various public engagement and communications activities which showcase the breadth of biostatistics research and its importance in clinical medicine and public health.
We are regular exhibitors at Cambridge Science Festival which is held in March every year and attracts more than 30,000 visitors. We have also taken part in the MRC Festival of Medical Research, and Big Biology Day. We develop and present an exciting selection of hands-on, interactive activities for these events, designed to inform and inspire public audiences. Our researchers are also available to speak to about our research and what we do.
MRC Cambridge Activity Book 2020
Medical Research Council (MRC) scientists in Cambridge are studying all the different ways that medical science can help protect our health and improve our lives.
This activity book is for people of all ages to explore the variety of MRC-funded work that takes place in Cambridge. Our work involves examining everything from the cells and organs in our bodies, all the way up to the places where live… and all the things in between! Many of our scientists are currently extending this expertise into research on coronavirus.
Download and print the activity book, and enjoy! Don’t miss the BSU activities on pages 3 and 4.
Engaging with school students
There is a well-recognised skills gap in the field of biostatistics. By engaging with school students, we aim to overcome some of the misconceptions and negative views that prevent pupils’ engagement with and progression in the subjects that will ultimately deliver the young statisticians of the future.
We regularly take part in the Nuffield Placement Scheme, hosting A-Level students for a summer work experience placement – read more. One of our students said this about their placement at the BSU:
“I would like to say thank you for letting me undertake a Nuffield project with you and helping me so much with it. I have recently been given a place at medical school. I wanted to thank you because I wouldn’t have got in if it were not for the Nuffield project.”
Read more
- “The importance of what you do not see” – a classroom activity.
- A pint of statistical fun
- Visit from Dr Paul Birrell – Mill Hill County High School
- A month in the life of a Statistician
- Why statistics is important – BSU Open Day 2016
- Inspiring with statistics at STEM Fair 2016
- BSU at FameLab: Balloons, newspapers & misleading statistics in the media
- Having fun with statistics at Cambridge Science Festival 2016
Twitter: We regularly tweet about the various research activities members of the BSU take part in, including newly published papers, new collaborations, workshops and events. To follow us on Twitter, go to: https://twitter.com/MRC_BSU
Website: Keep up to date with our latest research news and events, as well as information on recruitment, PhD opportunities and our short courses, by visiting our website home page: www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk
If you have any enquiries relating to the BSU’s work on public engagement, please contact Alison Quenault