The foyer of the Francois Retief Building at the University of the Free State (UFS) came alive with energy on Monday (4 May 2026) as first-year medical and medical radiation sciences students in the Faculty of Health Sciences showcased their research at an interactive Expo. 

The annual exhibition gives students an opportunity to investigate pressing non-communicable disease challenges and real-world issues affecting young people in South Africa and to translate their findings into engaging posters and brochures for the public. This year, 201 students (184 MBChB and 17 Medical Radiation Sciences students) participated in the initiative, which forms part of the faculty’s foundational skills and community engagement modules. 

According to Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla, Academic Head and Senior Lecturer in the Division of Student Learning and Development, the project encourages students to explore real-world issues such as teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, substance abuse, mental health, and nutrition to name a few. 

“These are not abstract topics,” she explains. “They reflect the realities we see in healthcare settings daily, from trauma cases linked to violence, to complications arising from substance abuse. Understanding these issues early helps students become more responsive and socially aware healthcare professionals.”

The process

The relevant topics are chosen by lecturers in Community Service Learning and Medical Radiation Sciences respectively. Each group’s research poster and brochure are evaluated by invited lecturers within the faculty and some from the Central University of Technology (CUT) as well as by their peers from other groups during the Expo. 

As part of the research process, students visited local schools in Bloemfontein, including Bolton Combined School and St Bernard’s High School, where they engaged with Grade 11 and 12 learners.

Their goal was to assess learners’ existing knowledge and awareness of key health issues. Using these insights, students developed educational materials and hosted interactive stalls at the Expo.

Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla says the initiative aims to make scientific knowledge accessible and relatable. “The goal is to communicate important health information in a way that is engaging, non-intimidating, and meaningful,” says Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla. “It’s about empowering communities with knowledge.”

The Expo also highlights the value of peer teaching. “Each one teaches one,” she adds, emphasising the importance of shared learning in building healthier communities.

Feedback from students 

The impact of the students’ work extends beyond the event. Posters and brochures will be displayed at the Faculty’s Open Day (Connect-2-Kovsie) and later distributed to clinics and hospitals to reach a wider audience. Students described the experience as both enjoyable and meaningful, while school learners expressed excitement at seeing the final outcome of a project they had contributed to.

“It was a full-circle moment,” says Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla. “From the initial school visits to the final exhibition, both students and learners were deeply engaged.” She adds that she is impressed by the level of work produced. “Although this is an NQF Level 5 module, the quality of work demonstrated is approaching that of higher-level study.”