Director of the Institute for Health Research at the University, Prof Randhawa visited the House of Commons for Wednesday’s launch (March 11), headed by Andrew George, a Liberal Democrat and member of the Health Select Committee.

The manifesto calls on political parties to recognise the importance of universities in health and social care education.

“The million+ health education manifesto is a positive step in ensuring that the future health workforce is suitably trained,” said Prof Randhawa. “It is imperative that a future Government recognises the role universities have to play in training this workforce.”

Prof Randhawa’s visit follows on from the recent recognition of Bedfordshire’s health research as internationally excellent and world-leading in the Research Excellence Framework 2014.

He was joined by three international students who have been awarded Commonwealth Scholarships, allowing them to improve the lives of those back in their home countries upon the completion of their MSc Public Health degrees.

“The Commonwealth Scholars will benefit from high quality training during their time studying at the University and once they return to their home country, they will be able to put this learning into public health practice,” said Prof Randhawa.

“Our bid for these scholarships was judged on the quality of the course and adherence of the need for Commonwealth Scholars to return home straight away at the end of their award, so the scholar can make a positive impact on their home country.”

Sairana Ahsan, a Pharmacist from Bangladesh, added:

“The course is fantastic. We have the opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and share our ideas with students from all around the world. And the visit to the British parliament was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Following the visit to Parliament, Prof Randhawa travelled to Brussels to advise the European Commission on how to cope with organ donation in a European climate dominated by changes in immigration and globalisation.

In his role as Director of the UK Organ Donation and Transplant Centre at the University, Prof Randhawa was able to suggest how European countries can recognise the needs of different communities and develop culturally-appropriate public engagement organ donation initiatives.

“The UK is the only country where such work has taken place, so I was delighted to share our work and discuss ideas with the National Policy Leaders across Europe on how to take this research forward,” he said.

“It would be fantastic if the European Commission could lead a programme of work to ensure that opportunities to discuss organ donation are inclusive to all sections of Europe’s diverse populations.”

• Photos courtesy of million+