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Joseph Chen
School of Pharmacy
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences
University of Auckland
Akshata Anchan
Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology
School of Medical Sciences,
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences,
University of Auckland
Luis Knight
Department of Physiology
School of Medical Sciences
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences
University of Auckland
Professor Trevor Sherwin
Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences
University of Auckland
Introduction
The Health Exposition (HealtheX) Conference has been the flagship student-led
conference for student researchers of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
(FMHS) at the University of Auckland since 2007. 1 All FMHS research students
(i.e. summer research scholarship, honours, masters, and doctoral) are invited
to partake in this one-day conference, typically held on a Friday in early September.
Enterable categories include the traditional poster and 10 minute oral presentations
(with a question and answer session), as well as an expeditious 3 minute elevator pitch.
Aside from the $15,000 NZD worth of monetary prizes and travel grants made
available by generous sponsors and supporters (in 2018), the competitive
nature of this conference lends itself to augment one’s curriculum vitae.
The scale of this event has grown impressively since its inception to encompass
over 100 student presenters in 2018: 64 oral; 12 elevator pitch; and 40 poster presenters.
Inevitably, the organisation of such a large event presents a host of
tasks, such as: applying for funding for conference expenditures; pro-
ducing marketing materials; proof-reading over 100 abstract submis-
sions; allocating presentation types to each presenter; assigning at
least three staff or student judges to each presentation; publishing
print materials; meeting sponsor requirements; managing judging app
systems; organising catering; and abiding by health and safety regula-
tions. Completing these tasks involve 20 HealtheX executive board
members, three subcommittees spanning a further 30 student vol-
unteers, 20 student judges (at PhD level), over 50 staff judges, and
several ‘super judges’ – who preside over the judging process across
the entire day in order to maintain consistency and ultimately deter-
mine the final prize winners. This conference is overall headed by
two staggered co-chairs in order to ease the transition process for
the future HealtheX organisation (e.g. one co-chair serves in 2017
and 2018, a second in 2018 and 2019, a third in 2019 and 2020, and
so on). Furthermore, past co-chairs are invited back to the HealtheX
Board as advisors, and the staff mentors present on the Board have
often been HealtheX alumni, contributing to the legacy of this event.
Institutionally, HealtheX is heavily supported by the FMHS through
the Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies.
However, of utmost importance is the ethos behind HealtheX, which
is constituted by three broad underlying themes: mastering the art of
science communication; networking with the wider research commu-
nity; and developing student academic enquiry.
Mastering the art of science communication
Given the diverse nature of research at the FMHS, from molecular bi-
ology through to population-wide epidemiological studies, HealtheX
places emphasis on the ability to disseminate complex research con-
cepts to general audiences. To aid student preparation, HealtheX or-
ganises an annual presentation skills workshop discussing vital tips for
successful presentations through rigorous preparation methods, ef-
fective body language, verbal modulations, aesthetic considerations in
visual media, and practical poster-printing tips. HealtheX provides an
important staging ground for young and early career researchers to
confidently prepare their presentations amongst their peers prior to
presenting at larger international conferences, where the perceived
stakes may be higher.
In the context of New Zealand, this prized skill also underlines the
crucial role that researchers of a publicly funded tertiary institution
act in as “the critic and conscience of society” in accordance with
the Education Act. 2 The ability to reconfigure complex concepts to
maintain accessibility to audiences of different levels allows for more
effective communication with the general public. This is particularly
important in research areas with greater ethical challenges that re-
quire more stakeholder discussion (e.g. experimentation using abort-
ed embryos, growing miniature human brains from induced pluripo-
tent stem cells, gene editing of embryos). Thus, HealtheX provides
an important opportunity for the professional development of vital
scientific communication skills.
Networking with the wider research community
The FMHS itself harbours an impressive breadth and quality of re-
search. Simply knowing about other research conducted within the
same institution paves a convenient path to collaboration. For ex-
ample, many biomedical research groups integrate clinical research,
given the close physical proximity of the FMHS to Auckland City
Hospital. While intra-institutional seminars, mailing lists, and research
group websites allow for effective internal bridging between research
groups, HealtheX represents the largest cross-section of active re-
search undertaken at the FMHS. In order to aid this networking pro-
cess, HealtheX stratifies its oral presentation sessions by research
methods. This allows students and staff to understand how their re-
search modality can be applied to other disciplines, thereby encour-
aging networking and collaboration.
Developing student academic enquiry
HealtheX provides a momentous platform to introduce young po-
tential researchers to the diverse world of research and academic
enquiry. By involving students in every stage of organising and par-
ticipating in this conference, it acts to inspire a new generation of
academics and also highlights the importance of research.
In the context of New Zealand, a relatively small country, importing
international research to inform best clinical practice is common –
often due to the lack of domestic research. However, this procedure
may prevent effective treatment of indigenous and minority groups,
given their inevitable under-representation in the source research
populations. As such, best clinical practice guidelines may not trans-
late directly from overseas to New Zealand due to genetic or cultural
variability – an example of which is the treatment and diagnosis of
obesity, due to underlying genetic and dietary differences in popu-
lations. 3,4 Consequently, using international research to inform best
clinical practice could exacerbate health inequities in Māori and Pa-
cific Island populations in direct contradiction to te Tiriti o Waitangi. 5
Therefore, conducting research in New Zealand through the princi-
ples of kaupapa Māori is crucial in applying research findings to im-
prove the health of all New Zealanders equitably. 6 As such, HealtheX
provides a formative platform to inspire the importance of research
in the context of New Zealand.
Conclusion
Having celebrated 12 years of student research, HealtheX has firmly
embedded itself in the culture of the FMHS. Its competitive nature
and monetary prizes have nurtured an atmosphere inspiring im-
proved science communication, and have created novel travel oppor-
tunities for students to attend external conferences or international
collaborators’ laboratories. Furthermore, the scale of this event has
played a major role in encouraging collaboration and has introduced
the expansiveness of research at this tertiary institution to young re-
searchers. Through extensive student recruitment, staff mentorship,
and institutional support, HealtheX is able to improve year on year to
hold itself to ever higher standards.
References
1. About HealtheX [Internet]. The University of Auckland;2019 [cited
17 Mar 2019]. Available from: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/fmhs/
current-students/student-life/healthex/about-healthx.html
2. Education Act 1989 (NZ) s 162(4)(a)(v) [cited 17 Mar 2019].
Available from: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0080/
latest/DLM183668.html
3. Johnson RJ, Lanaspa MA, Sanchez-Lozada LG, Rivard C. Fat storage
syndrome in Pacific peoples: a combination of environment and
genetics?. Pacific Health Dialog. 2014 Mar 12;20(1):11–6.
4. World Health Organization. The Asia-Pacific perspective:
redefining obesity and its treatment. Sydney:Health Communications
Australia;2000. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/
handle/10665/206936/0957708211_eng.pdf
5. Treaty of Waitangi [Internet]. 1840 [Cited 17 Mar 2019] Available
from: http://www.treatyofwaitangi.maori.nz/
6. Smith GH. The development of kaupapa Maori: theory and praxis
[doctoral dissertation]. Auckland:ResearchSpace;1997. Available from:
https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/handle/2292/623
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge past chairs Ms Brittney Black and
Ms Yukti Vyas for their help in putting this article together
Correspondence
Joseph Chen: joseph.chen@auckland.ac.nz
Joseph Chen
School of Pharmacy
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences
University of Auckland
Akshata Anchan
Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology
School of Medical Sciences,
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences,
University of Auckland
Luis Knight
Department of Physiology
School of Medical Sciences
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences
University of Auckland
Professor Trevor Sherwin
Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies
Faculty of the Medical and Health Sciences
University of Auckland
Introduction
The Health Exposition (HealtheX) Conference has been the flagship student-led
conference for student researchers of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
(FMHS) at the University of Auckland since 2007. 1 All FMHS research students
(i.e. summer research scholarship, honours, masters, and doctoral) are invited
to partake in this one-day conference, typically held on a Friday in early September.
Enterable categories include the traditional poster and 10 minute oral presentations
(with a question and answer session), as well as an expeditious 3 minute elevator pitch.
Aside from the $15,000 NZD worth of monetary prizes and travel grants made
available by generous sponsors and supporters (in 2018), the competitive
nature of this conference lends itself to augment one’s curriculum vitae.
The scale of this event has grown impressively since its inception to encompass
over 100 student presenters in 2018: 64 oral; 12 elevator pitch; and 40 poster presenters.
Inevitably, the organisation of such a large event presents a host of
tasks, such as: applying for funding for conference expenditures; pro-
ducing marketing materials; proof-reading over 100 abstract submis-
sions; allocating presentation types to each presenter; assigning at
least three staff or student judges to each presentation; publishing
print materials; meeting sponsor requirements; managing judging app
systems; organising catering; and abiding by health and safety regula-
tions. Completing these tasks involve 20 HealtheX executive board
members, three subcommittees spanning a further 30 student vol-
unteers, 20 student judges (at PhD level), over 50 staff judges, and
several ‘super judges’ – who preside over the judging process across
the entire day in order to maintain consistency and ultimately deter-
mine the final prize winners. This conference is overall headed by
two staggered co-chairs in order to ease the transition process for
the future HealtheX organisation (e.g. one co-chair serves in 2017
and 2018, a second in 2018 and 2019, a third in 2019 and 2020, and
so on). Furthermore, past co-chairs are invited back to the HealtheX
Board as advisors, and the staff mentors present on the Board have
often been HealtheX alumni, contributing to the legacy of this event.
Institutionally, HealtheX is heavily supported by the FMHS through
the Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies.
However, of utmost importance is the ethos behind HealtheX, which
is constituted by three broad underlying themes: mastering the art of
science communication; networking with the wider research commu-
nity; and developing student academic enquiry.
Mastering the art of science communication
Given the diverse nature of research at the FMHS, from molecular bi-
ology through to population-wide epidemiological studies, HealtheX
places emphasis on the ability to disseminate complex research con-
cepts to general audiences. To aid student preparation, HealtheX or-
ganises an annual presentation skills workshop discussing vital tips for
successful presentations through rigorous preparation methods, ef-
fective body language, verbal modulations, aesthetic considerations in
visual media, and practical poster-printing tips. HealtheX provides an
important staging ground for young and early career researchers to
confidently prepare their presentations amongst their peers prior to
presenting at larger international conferences, where the perceived
stakes may be higher.
In the context of New Zealand, this prized skill also underlines the
crucial role that researchers of a publicly funded tertiary institution
act in as “the critic and conscience of society” in accordance with
the Education Act. 2 The ability to reconfigure complex concepts to
maintain accessibility to audiences of different levels allows for more
effective communication with the general public. This is particularly
important in research areas with greater ethical challenges that re-
quire more stakeholder discussion (e.g. experimentation using abort-
ed embryos, growing miniature human brains from induced pluripo-
tent stem cells, gene editing of embryos). Thus, HealtheX provides
an important opportunity for the professional development of vital
scientific communication skills.
Networking with the wider research community
The FMHS itself harbours an impressive breadth and quality of re-
search. Simply knowing about other research conducted within the
same institution paves a convenient path to collaboration. For ex-
ample, many biomedical research groups integrate clinical research,
given the close physical proximity of the FMHS to Auckland City
Hospital. While intra-institutional seminars, mailing lists, and research
group websites allow for effective internal bridging between research
groups, HealtheX represents the largest cross-section of active re-
search undertaken at the FMHS. In order to aid this networking pro-
cess, HealtheX stratifies its oral presentation sessions by research
methods. This allows students and staff to understand how their re-
search modality can be applied to other disciplines, thereby encour-
aging networking and collaboration.
Developing student academic enquiry
HealtheX provides a momentous platform to introduce young po-
tential researchers to the diverse world of research and academic
enquiry. By involving students in every stage of organising and par-
ticipating in this conference, it acts to inspire a new generation of
academics and also highlights the importance of research.
In the context of New Zealand, a relatively small country, importing
international research to inform best clinical practice is common –
often due to the lack of domestic research. However, this procedure
may prevent effective treatment of indigenous and minority groups,
given their inevitable under-representation in the source research
populations. As such, best clinical practice guidelines may not trans-
late directly from overseas to New Zealand due to genetic or cultural
variability – an example of which is the treatment and diagnosis of
obesity, due to underlying genetic and dietary differences in popu-
lations. 3,4 Consequently, using international research to inform best
clinical practice could exacerbate health inequities in Māori and Pa-
cific Island populations in direct contradiction to te Tiriti o Waitangi. 5
Therefore, conducting research in New Zealand through the princi-
ples of kaupapa Māori is crucial in applying research findings to im-
prove the health of all New Zealanders equitably. 6 As such, HealtheX
provides a formative platform to inspire the importance of research
in the context of New Zealand.
Conclusion
Having celebrated 12 years of student research, HealtheX has firmly
embedded itself in the culture of the FMHS. Its competitive nature
and monetary prizes have nurtured an atmosphere inspiring im-
proved science communication, and have created novel travel oppor-
tunities for students to attend external conferences or international
collaborators’ laboratories. Furthermore, the scale of this event has
played a major role in encouraging collaboration and has introduced
the expansiveness of research at this tertiary institution to young re-
searchers. Through extensive student recruitment, staff mentorship,
and institutional support, HealtheX is able to improve year on year to
hold itself to ever higher standards.
References
1. About HealtheX [Internet]. The University of Auckland;2019 [cited
17 Mar 2019]. Available from: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/fmhs/
current-students/student-life/healthex/about-healthx.html
2. Education Act 1989 (NZ) s 162(4)(a)(v) [cited 17 Mar 2019].
Available from: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0080/
latest/DLM183668.html
3. Johnson RJ, Lanaspa MA, Sanchez-Lozada LG, Rivard C. Fat storage
syndrome in Pacific peoples: a combination of environment and
genetics?. Pacific Health Dialog. 2014 Mar 12;20(1):11–6.
4. World Health Organization. The Asia-Pacific perspective:
redefining obesity and its treatment. Sydney:Health Communications
Australia;2000. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/
handle/10665/206936/0957708211_eng.pdf
5. Treaty of Waitangi [Internet]. 1840 [Cited 17 Mar 2019] Available
from: http://www.treatyofwaitangi.maori.nz/
6. Smith GH. The development of kaupapa Maori: theory and praxis
[doctoral dissertation]. Auckland:ResearchSpace;1997. Available from:
https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/handle/2292/623
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge past chairs Ms Brittney Black and
Ms Yukti Vyas for their help in putting this article together
Correspondence
Joseph Chen: joseph.chen@auckland.ac.nz