A special public lecture on organ donation research will form part of the University’s Open Day at its Luton campus on Saturday 7 June, while the Open Day at the University’s Bedford campus on Saturday 14 June will feature a public lecture about research into doping in sport and the anti-doping issues and challenges facing sport in the UK.

The lectures are among a range of activities taking place across the UK as part of Universities Week 2014 to promote and engage the public with the value and importance of university research.

Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said:

“The lectures will help to highlight how the world-leading and award-winning research work carried out at Bedfordshire has a real impact on people’s everyday lives.

“The University is engaged in a wide range of ground-breaking research, from health and social affairs to applied computing and environmental science. We are working to help solve some of the UK’s and the world’s biggest challenges.”

Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health and Director of the Institute for Health Research at the University of Bedfordshire, will talk about why organ donation is a societal issue at the Luton campus on Saturday 7 June 2014. Gurch’s research is focused on the development of patient-centred care pathways in diabetes, kidney disease, transplantation, and end-of-life care amongst diverse communities.

And Professor John Brewer, Director of Sport and Enterprise, will talk about anti-doping and the issues and challenges facing sport at the Bedford campus on Saturday 14 June 2014. A former Head of Sports Science at the Football Association, John is also a Board Member of the UK Anti-Doping agency (UKAD).

David Seaton, Head of Recruitment at the University of Bedfordshire, added:

“We have students of all ages within our vibrant and diverse community, and more than 36% of our students are aged 25 or over. Attending an open day will give you a realistic picture of student life and help you make the best choice. The Open Days offer a great opportunity to meet our staff and talk to students who are already enjoying life at the University of Bedfordshire.”

To find out more and to register to attend please call 01582 749052, email opendays@beds.ac.uk or visit: www.beds.ac.uk/opendays