Medical Research Society

Aston's Medical Research Society has some exciting events lined up for this academic year 25/26:

🔬 Teaching Series

Our structured teaching sessions will guide you through the foundations of medical research in a way that’s clear and beginner-friendly. You’ll learn:

• How to recognise different study designs (RCTs, case-control, cohort studies, etc.)

• How to identify biases and limitations in research papers

• How systematic reviews and clinical audits are conducted — both essential for academic medicine

👉 Why it matters for you: These are skills assessed in medical school and beyond (including exams like USMLE and postgraduate interviews). Having experience in critical appraisal demonstrates that you’re building the analytical mindset needed for an academic doctor. You’ll be able to confidently discuss these skills in your portfolio, SJT interviews, or even at conferences.

🖥️ Practical Workshops

This is where theory turns into action. Our practical sessions are hands-on and designed to give you transferable skills that most medical students don’t gain until much later. Workshops include:

• Statistical programming using real data sets, so you’ll be comfortable handling and interpreting research results

• Interactive exercises on data visualisation and basic coding — skills highly valued in both clinical academia and industry

👉 Why it matters for you: Early exposure to statistics and programming gives you a massive head start. It shows initiative and technical ability on your portfolio, setting you apart for research electives, intercalated degrees, and competitive applications like the Academic Foundation Programme.

📚 Journal Clubs

Our journal clubs are more than just paper discussions — they’re safe, student-led spaces where you’ll practise presenting and critiquing recent studies with support from peers and mentors. You’ll gain:

• Confidence in public speaking and academic presentation

• A deeper understanding of how evidence informs clinical practice

• The chance to practise viva-style critical appraisal in a friendly environment

👉 Why it matters for you: Journal club experience is frequently asked about at interviews for leadership roles, research placements, and specialty training. Being able to say you’ve regularly presented and appraised papers will really strengthen your academic profile.

🎓 AMRS Student Conference – 22nd November 2025

📍 Aston Medical School, Room G11
Our flagship event of the year! Expect:

• Engaging poster presentations from fellow students

• Interactive practical workshops

• Certificates of attendance for your portfolio

• Exciting prizes for winners and runners-up

This is your chance to get involved early — either by presenting your own work or simply attending to network, learn, and add a certificate to your CV.

All students from any course are welcome; we'd love to see you at future events!