Our lab, in partnership with the UoB Optics and Photonics Society, hosted a science outreach day for fifty Year 12 students from four schools across the Marches Academy Trust in Shropshire. The day introduced them to diffuse optical imaging and the research happening in the lab.
A Deep Dive into Diffuse Optics
The day showed how interdisciplinary diffuse optics research is, spanning physics, computer science, neuroscience and medicine. Diffuse optics uses low-powered infrared light to probe the body; by analysing the light that returns, researchers infer information about biological processes, particularly in the brain.
The morning opened with talks on the physics behind optical techniques, applications in functional neuroscience, and case studies chosen to show students what medical research looks like in practice.
Hands-On Sessions
In the afternoon, students rotated through interactive sessions, running standard diffuse optical experiments and neuroscience protocols on lab equipment. The sessions also covered the role of computational methods in data analysis, showing how software and hardware work together to map the human brain.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The event gave prospective students a look at research opportunities before they choose a university course, and for many, the day changed their thinking. Several students said the experience confirmed their interest in medicine; others said it “opened their eyes” to research careers they didn’t know existed. For some, handling the devices and talking to our researchers built the confidence to pursue STEM subjects at university.
From Proposal to Lab
We’re now planning a follow-up: a competition where student groups submit their own experiment proposals to run on campus. Winning teams will visit the lab to carry out their experiments.
The event underscored the collaborative nature of modern research, drawing in academics from across career stages. We plan to expand our outreach impact by running similar events in future.
