Blackburn student's research secures slot at top psychology conference (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn student's research secures slot at top psychology conference

11:00am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Catherine Pye, Health reporter

A PSYCHOLOGY student from Blackburn College will soon be sharing her research with the best in the business.

Haleema Afzal is studying for a BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology at the University Centre of Blackburn College, and carried out research on the perceptions of health risks associated with smoking as part of her degree programme.

Now, after being encouraged to submit an extract for consideration by tutors, Haleema has been invited to showcase her research at the prestigious British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, to be held in Liverpool from today until Friday.

Tutors encouraged Haleema to submit an abstract of the research for consideration by the BPS Health Conference Panel, and she was delighted when her work was accepted for the event.

A college spokesman said: “It is exceptional for undergraduates to have their work accepted and demonstrates the high quality of the research carried out at the college.

“Haleema will be showcasing her work alongside established academics and health practitioners from across the country.”

Keynote speakers at the event include professors from the University of Pennsylvania, University College London, Kings College London, University of Liverpool and University of Central Lancashire.

The aim of the event is to showcase how research is making a difference to health and discussions at the event will show both real-life impact, and the potential for health results along with theoretical papers.