Two third-year BSc Psychology students at the University of Liverpool have achieved a significant academic milestone by co-authoring their first published research paper.

Abigail Godfrey and Annabel Gray, who participated in a 12-week National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded summer internship last year, contributed to a systematic review exploring geographical inequalities in dementia diagnosis and care.

During their internship, the students were immersed in dementia research within the university’s specialist research group, led by Dr. Clarissa Giebel. They also had the opportunity to present their findings at the annual Liverpool Dementia & Aging Research Conference in October, where they shared insights from their research journey. Additionally, they actively participated in the research group’s monthly journal clubs and various academic events, further enhancing their knowledge and professional development.

The paper, titled “Geographical Inequalities in Dementia Diagnosis and Care: A Systematic Review” and published in the journal International Psychogeriatrics, examines how access to health and social care services for dementia diagnosis and treatment varies depending on location, including differences between rural, suburban, and urban areas, as well as disparities linked to postcode and country.

This accomplishment marks an exciting step in their academic careers and highlights the University of Liverpool’s commitment to providing undergraduate students with valuable research opportunities. Their work contributes to a growing body of knowledge aimed at improving equitable access to dementia diagnosis and care services.