By Jacquelyn Ryan, CHSTM Master’s student  

This March, Manchester Museum was buzzing with local secondary school pupils eager to explore science beyond the classroom. Welcoming over 1140 pupils across two days, British Science Week was an unforgettable event hosting 47 engagement opportunities with University of Manchester scientists and researchers. The Museum of Medicine and Health, in collaboration with the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences hosted “In A Heartbeat” – a successful and engaging stall.  

Earlier this year, I was placed with the Museum of Medicine and Health for my Master’s placement in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine. Under the guidance of Heritage Officer Steph Seville, I was responsible for the planning, and delivery of the Beswick Collection’s contribution to this busy, public-facing annual event.  

I wanted to explore how history applies beyond academia, gain museum experience, and learn how to make the history of science engaging for younger audiences. The placement also offered insight into interdisciplinary collaboration between history and science.  

Our stand featured interactives, including a game, matching animal groups to early 20th century heart models, and arranging stethoscopes from oldest to newest – one belonging to famous cardiologist Dr. Graham Steell (1851-1942). We also displayed a historic sphygmograph developed by Dr. Frederick Akbar Mahomed (1849-1884). Dating back to 1872, Dr. Mahomed’s device was used to record pulse and is a link between historical heart health research and modern cardiovascular studies. 

The MMH and DCVS stalls at British Science Week

The team at the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences offered the opportunity to meet scientists and learn about how they study cardiovascular disease in the lab. Recently awarded British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence status, the division fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across many specialities from clinical and biological to engineering. The DCVS team works to advance understanding of cardiovascular health and disease. Greater Manchester experiences some of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease and related deaths in the UK, underlining the need for both world-leading research and impactful public engagement in our region. 

Heart messages from attendees

The museum’s inclusion offered a unique experience for the young people. We invited pupils to debate heart structures in animals and marvel at historical medical tools. Many were surprised by monaural stethoscopes and the antiquated sphygmograph. Our heart poster invited the young people to share ways they maintain their heart health, and wellbeing. It filled quickly, with responses including tips on exercise like “Go for a Walk” and suggestions of self-care including “Stroke pets” and “Listen to music”.  

This placement, for me, reinforced how understanding the history of science enhances our grasp of modern advancements and fosters meaningful interdisciplinary connections. The success of this event highlights the value of making science and history accessible and engaging, inspiring the next generation to appreciate both fields in new and exciting ways.  

We would like to thank our volunteers who helped with the event: Agnieszka, Kat, Amy, Lee, and Niamh and all the researchers from DCVS led by Dr Steph Baross and Dr David Talavera. 

Related