HSU Celebrates Women in Science: Research Driving Real-World Impact

Health Sciences University (HSU) recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion in celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The event highlighted the pioneering research and real-world applications of scientific advancements led by female academics in health sciences, reinforcing the importance of women’s contributions to patient care, education, and innovation in clinical practice.

Chaired by student ambassador, Angie Thomas, the panel featured:

• Aurélie Marchand – Chiropractor & Senior Lecturer in Clinical Management Paediatric MSK Health
• Dr Caroline Belchamber – Senior Lecturer & Specialist in Palliative Physiotherapy
• Louise Stanley – Senior Lecturer & Course Lead in Physiotherapy.

The discussion offered insights into how evidence-based research is shaping healthcare disciplines – including paediatric chiropractic, palliative physiotherapy, and digital rehabilitation technologies.

From Research to Real-World Impact: Scientific Innovation in Patient Care

Each panellist showcased the ways in which their research is directly improving patient outcomes, healthcare education, and clinical interventions.

Paediatric Musculoskeletal Health

Aurélie Marchand discussed her groundbreaking research in paediatric musculoskeletal (MSK) health, focusing on adapting manual therapy for infants, children, and adolescents. She explained:

“Paediatric chiropractic is commonly used in people below eighteen years of age. Current guidelines recommend adapting manual therapy treatments to patient needs. We are working towards an integrated approach where manual therapists collaborate with all relevant health care professionals, to provide the best care for anyone aged below eighteen.”

This research influenced best-practice guidelines for paediatric chiropractic care, and is used as part of an evidence-based approach.

Palliative Physiotherapy: Enhancing Quality of Life in Terminal Care

Dr Caroline Belchamber presented her research on non-pharmacological interventions for managing symptoms such as breathlessness, pain, and fatigue in people with palliative care needs. Her work has contributed to new clinical frameworks for integrating physiotherapy into hospice and end-of-life care settings. She outlined:

“Physiotherapy in palliative care is about more than just movement—it is about preserving dignity, independence, and comfort while improving quality of life. Evidence increasingly shows that tailored exercise and non-pharmacological interventions can significantly improve breathlessness, fatigue, and pain in people with advanced diseases.

“Research in this area is helping us develop our person-centred approaches to treatment management, ensuring that people with long-term conditions receive personalised support from diagnosis to end of life.”

Caroline’s research findings are shaping national palliative care guidelines, providing healthcare professionals with evidence-based strategies to improve people’s quality of life.

Technology in Physiotherapy: Virtual Reality & Gamification in Rehabilitation & Education

Louise Stanley explored the emerging role of digital health technologies in physiotherapy education and rehabilitation, with a particular focus on virtual reality (VR) and simulation-based training. Louise explained:

“One of the biggest challenges in rehabilitation is patient engagement. Traditional exercise regimes can be repetitive and uninspiring, which can affect adherence and ultimately patient outcomes. With virtual reality rehabilitation, patients are immersed in an interactive environment that makes the process more motivating and has the potential to enhance adherence and outcomes.”

She also highlighted how simulation-based learning is improving clinical training for physiotherapy students, offering realistic patient scenarios that enhance clinical decision-making skills.

“Simulation-based learning is bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. By immersing students in realistic, controlled patient scenarios, we are preparing them more effectively for clinical practice. This ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes and greater confidence among graduates entering the profession.”

Encouraging Knowledge Exchange and Mentorship

A recurring theme of the discussion was the importance of mentorship in scientific careers.The panellists urged students and early-career researchers to actively seek mentorship, collaborate across disciplines, and engage in research initiatives, reinforcing that science thrives on shared knowledge and interdisciplinary cooperation.