The British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) Publishing Conference, held in March, brought together academic and primary care researchers from across the UK and beyond. The event provided attendees with valuable insights into the publication process through expert-led teaching sessions, oral presentations, and poster exhibitions.
A particular highlight was the experience of medical student Aleks Tanaka, who delivered an oral presentation of her research to a national audience. Such opportunities are uncommon at undergraduate level, and the experience has already contributed to a subsequent academic publication (Tanaka et al., 2026).
The conference provided the four students with a practical understanding of the journey from research concept to published paper. Through sessions led by experienced researchers and journal editors, they learned how manuscripts are developed, reviewed and revised, as well as how research findings are communicated to healthcare professionals and wider audiences.
In addition to the formal programme, the students benefited from networking opportunities with established academics and researchers, gaining first-hand experience of how research is discussed, scrutinised and advanced within the academic community.
The experience has strengthened the students’ confidence and enthusiasm for research, inspiring them to pursue further opportunities through their Student Selected Components and other academic projects during the coming year.
The conference provided first-hand experience of academic publishing and research presentation, supporting the continued development of student-led research within the North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research.
Dr Rebecca Payne, Clinical Senior Lecturer – North Wales Medical School said:
By supporting opportunities such as this, ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund donors are helping students develop the skills, confidence and ambition needed to contribute to the future of healthcare research. Thank you to the alumni whose support of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund made this opportunity possible.
The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund is made up of alumni donations, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, with the primary purpose of providing an element of additionality to the student experience.
Aleks Tanaka, undergraduate Medical student presenting at the BJGP conference
Learn more about the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fund
