BREATH Schools Public Engagement Week Drive - Stranraer Cluster (Glasgow City of Science)

Description

 

UWS academics go back to school for lung health

UWS academics have been visiting schools in Dumfries & Galloway to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a deadly lung disorder which is particularly prevalent in the area.

The project, called ‘BREATH’ (Border and Regions Airways Training Hub) aims to better understand and alleviate the impact of COPD. 

From September 24-28, UWS BREATH experts educated young people in Dumfries & Galloway about lung physiology in a cluster of school events organised with help by Deborah Trotter (Stranraer Academy) and Karen Creighton (RAiSE).

This involved building their own simple lung model and conducting a range of experiments to assess lung function. The team also discussed COPD risk factors with the pupils, which include smoking and air pollution.

The aim is for BREATH academics to share their skills with the next generation of young scientists and inspire them to help in the work to find new and better treatments for COPD.