Developing Experts: Building Stronger University Partnerships
Over recent months, we have continued to grow our Developing Experts Programme, building relationships with universities and helping future health and care professionals develop a better understanding of Fragile X.
As part of this work, we recently visited both Keele University and the University of Warwick. Although the two visits were quite different, both showed a real enthusiasm for strengthening knowledge of Fragile X and involving students and researchers in our work.
A warm welcome at Keele
Our visit to Keele University in June was particularly encouraging.
Keele has a growing medical school, and we were impressed by the enthusiasm for developing teaching and research, as well as the willingness of senior members of the University to engage with the Fragile X Society.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to talk about our Developing Experts Programme and our ambition to introduce more medical and healthcare students to Fragile X. The support shown by senior colleagues, including the Dean of the Medical School, the Director of Research and the Vice Chancellor, was extremely positive.
We are now exploring ways for students to learn directly from the Fragile X community through teaching, student projects and our developing Fragile X Ambassador initiative.
By introducing students to Fragile X early in their careers, we hope to help develop future professionals who understand not only the clinical aspects of the condition, but also the experiences of individuals and families.
Strengthening our relationship with Warwick
We also visited the University of Warwick, where we met with Dr Hayley Crawford, Associate Professor at Warwick Medical School and one of the Fragile X Society’s Specialist Advisors.
Hayley’s research has explored many areas that are important to people with Fragile X and their families. Our discussions focused on how we can continue to strengthen the links between research, students and the Fragile X community.
We also met Aamina Khan, a PhD student whose research focuses on quality of life in Fragile X syndrome.
Aamina’s work is a great example of what the Developing Experts Programme aims to encourage: researchers developing specialist knowledge of Fragile X while recognising the importance of listening to and learning from people with lived experience.
We are delighted that Aamina has agreed to become a Fragile X Ambassador, helping us to raise awareness within the university community and develop stronger links between students, researchers and families.
Looking to the future
The Developing Experts Programme is an investment in the future.
Every medical student, researcher, social worker or other professional who develops a better understanding of Fragile X has the potential to make a positive difference to individuals and families throughout their career.
Our developing relationships with Keele and Warwick are another important step forward and add to the growing number of universities across the UK with whom we are building connections.
The Fragile X Ambassador initiative will also become an increasingly important part of this work, giving enthusiastic students and researchers the opportunity to champion Fragile X within their own universities and professional networks.
We look forward to sharing more news as the Developing Experts Programme continues to grow.
