There’s something to be said when University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) Undergraduates show up in coordinated outfits. A variation of “smart casual”. That was earlier this month when the Faculty held its Undergraduate Research Day (URD) at the Learning Centre Lecture Theatre. The space was created to showcase and celebrate the work undergrads in the faculty have undertaken.

An important day on the FHS calendar, staff are encouraged to reschedule teaching itinerary to allow time for students to present, and the rest to support those sessions as part of the audience. When Professor Ambroise Wonkam, Deputy Dean of Research, opened this tenth anniversary of the event – he garnered some chuckles from the audience when he stated that: “UCT is a research university thanks to FHS.” He added, “We’re a nearly R1billion enterprise representing 63% of the university’s income.”

Wonkam adamantly stated the fundamental role research plays in the faculty: “We take research very seriously and if we want to keep doing well, we must invest in young researchers. We hope those here today are here again next year. And we want to see more people in the audience. I hope some of the people here will take the initiative to help make this a more vibrant space in future.”

Some students came out to support their peers. Students presented Posters where their peers as well the judges quizzed them about the content of their presentations.

Dr Michal Harty (Chair) of the Organising Committee had the following to say about the event: “This is a wonderful occasion where the research of our undergraduate students is showcased. Many people have given generously of their time and we are honoured to have the calibre of judges and reviewers who have contributed to make the day a success.”

The judges included Prof Graham Louw, Dr Gillian Ferguson, Dr Hlumani Ndlovu, A/Prof Maylene Shung King, Dr Virginia Zweigenthal, and Mrs Danica Sims.

Prizes given out for the Poster and Oral winners included prize money the undergraduates can put towards their research projects. Some audience members also walked away with spot prizes including flash drives, book shop vouchers and a tablet.

Once all was said and done the music duo from Jazz between Friends serenaded attendees as they enjoyed the lunchtime spread.

Poster 3^rd prize
Samantha Hearn: The amoxicillin index as a novel stewardship benchmarking consumption tool in cape town metro primary care clinics.

Poster 2^nd prize
Chelynn–Dee Shone, Siviwe Joxo, Pempho Phiri and Mitchell Jardine: A study to determine the physical fitness and physical activity levels in a group of university students: A pilot study.

Poster 1^st prize
Aneeka Davids, Amy Morris, Success Masia, Zukokazi Nkxoyi, and Pontsho Selengoane: Exploring barriers experienced by wheelchair users in their everyday lives in Mitchells Plain.

Oral 3^rd prize
Wakithi Mabaso and Stefan van der Walt: The burden of depression and anxiety among medical students at the University of Cape Town: A cross-sectional survey.

Oral 2^nd prize
Ruan Spies, Matthew Potter, Stefan van der Walt and Ruan Hollamby: Sputum colour as a marker for bacteria in acute exacerbations of COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oral 1^st prize
Matthew Potter: Evaluating student perspectives on Global Health in South Africa.