The Bangor Fund has enabled high-performing early-stage pharmacy students at the North Wales Medical School to take part in a nationally recognised academic and professional development experience, helping to reward excellence and build confidence at an early point of their studies. The Bangor Fund is made up of alumni donations, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, with the primary purpose to provide an element of additionality to the student experience.
Six students, three from Foundation Year and three from Year 1, were selected to take part in a two-day immersive academic and cultural visit to London. The programme combined curated activities at University College London and the British Library with attendance at the British Medicinal Chemistry Society Mastering MedChem X symposium, held at the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The initiative is distinctive in its focus on recognising academic excellence among foundation year and first‑year pharmacy students through funded participation in a major national scientific conference – an opportunity more commonly associated with later‑stage undergraduate or postgraduate study. By introducing students to high‑impact research environments early in their academic journey, the programme aims to strengthen aspiration, professional identity and awareness of future research pathways.
Students reported that the experience helped demystify elite scientific spaces and increased their confidence in engaging with leading researchers and industry scientists. Several highlighted a stronger sense of belonging within STEM and greater clarity around potential careers in research, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
Adesewa Adebiy, first year MPharm student shared:
As a pharmacy student, I had always known that medicines are developed long before they reach patients, but this conference truly brought that reality to life, showing me that pharmacy begins in the lab with curiosity, creativity, and rigorous science. I was also struck by how welcoming and open the researchers and industry professionals were, sharing their experiences generously and making the learning experience even more impactful.
Dr Hadia Almahli, lecturer in pharmaceutical sciences, said:
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the generous alumni who have contributed to the Bangor Fund and made this initiative possible. Their support has been instrumental in enabling opportunities that inspire, motivate, and empower our future scientists.
Hadia plans to build on the model in future years through visits to other research‑intensive institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge and Sussex, helping to raise the University’s profile within national scientific networks.
