Steven was awarded a grant to research how best to optimise peer support across Medical Imaging courses

Medical Imaging student awarded research grant

An Exeter student has been awarded a grant to research how best to optimise peer support across Medical Imaging courses in the UK.

Medical Imaging student Steven Cox has been awarded funding from the College of Radiographers Industry Partnership Scheme (CoRIPS) for undergraduates.

The scheme allows undergraduates studying either therapeutic or diagnostic radiography to apply for funding to perform research in any topic related to their degree, giving them experience in the field of research.

Steven is entering his third year of the programme, and has been running the Medical Imaging programme’s Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS), which aims to give first year students exceptional support.

Steven will be working with Rob Meertens, a lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School, to survey Medical Imaging staff and students across the UK to determine what peer support they provide. The pair will aim to gain and understanding of the best ways to provide peer support, with the ultimate goal of forming a network of peer support programmes where students can share feedback and resources.

Steven said: “I’m thrilled to have received the CoRIPS funding and can't wait to be taking my first steps into the world of research. I’m looking forward to investigating the different ways other institutions provide peer support, and hope that this will provide a strong base to improve to peer support programmes nationally, with the ultimate goal of improving the service provided to students.”

Earlier this year Steven was shortlisted for the University of Exeter Students’ Guild Academic Representation and Engagement Award for outstanding contribution to peer support. Steven also earned a place on the Council of Deans of Health Student Leadership Scheme. The programme is highly competitive, selecting only 150 students from applicants across the country.

Professor Clive Ballard, Executive Dean of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “As a medical school we’re really keen to give our students both the best education and first-hand experience of research. It’s great to see our students showing this kind of initiative and engaging with research from an undergraduate level. Congratulations Steven!”

Date: 3 August 2018