Teesside students present research in Parliament

A trio of Teesside University psychology students have presented their research in Parliament in front of MPs and policy makers.

The students represented Teesside in Posters in Parliament, a national exhibition of undergraduate research posters. They joined students from across the country for the prestigious Westminster event on Tuesday 14 March.

Hannah Erdem, 26 and Pippa Adams, 21, worked with local Healthwatches in Teesside, through the University’s prestigious Students as Researchers scheme, to investigate patients’ experiences of accessing mental health facilities through questionnaires, focus groups and in-depth analysis.

Aroosa Saijad, 20, a third year BSc (Hons) Psychology student, examined effective persuasion and how it shapes attitudes towards products and purchasing behaviour in terms of belief, intention and motivation.

She said: 'It has been a really interesting project and a great opportunity to put what we are learning about into practice on a real life research project.

Hannah, who is in the second year of her BSc (Hons) Psychology, added: 'We have been able to apply the skills and knowledge we have learnt during the degree to these research projects and it has been extremely beneficial both academically and personally.'

Professor Mark Simpson, Teesside University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), said: 'The participation of Teesside University students in Posters in Parliament demonstrates our commitment to creating a learning culture where research is integrated into inspirational teaching to deliver real-world impact.

'I am delighted that Pippa, Hannah and Aroosa have had the opportunity to present their research to policymakers in Westminster.'

Professor Stuart Hampton-Reeves, Chair of the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) Steering Group, said: ‘The students whose posters are included here represent the next generation of innovators and academics. Their discoveries are already helping to further our understanding of the big challenges facing the world today.’

The event was attended by a number of politicians, including Hilary Benn, Ben Bradshaw, Caroline Lucas and Chi Onwurah.

Hilary Benn said: ‘Shut your eyes and listen to that buzz. It’s ideas, it’s determination and it’s cutting-edge research. This is the sound of the future. It’s fantastic that this event has taken place in Parliament today.’

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• Learning and teaching