The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF), Scotland's only dedicated asthma charity, is celebrating another successful year of partnership with the University of Aberdeen through its Work-Based Placement Programme, an academic initiative designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world experience.
Through this collaboration, postgraduate students from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences of the University of Aberdeen spend ten weeks at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, gaining hands-on experience in public health projects, community engagement, and organisational leadership. The placements offer a unique opportunity to translate academic knowledge into practical skills that enhance students’ employability and prepare them for impactful careers.
“Working with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has been an inspiring experience,” said University of Aberdeen placement student, Niamh Fraser. “I have enhanced my teamwork and communication skills that go beyond theory. Seeing how AAF supports people living with asthma has deepened my understanding of community health and made me more determined to make a difference.”
Under the supervision of Project Coordinator, Stephen Tetteh Nakote, the Foundation provides a supportive and professional environment where students take part in meaningful work such as public education campaigns, research projects and community outreach initiatives.
“At AAF, we believe that experience shapes excellence,” said Stephen Tetteh Nakote, Project Coordinator. “Our role as a host organisation is to provide students with exposure to real-life challenges, so they leave better prepared to lead with compassion and purpose.”
Toni Gibson SFHEA, Placement Coordinator for Work Based Learning at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) of the University of Aberdeen, also highlighted the value of the partnership, she said: “The Asthma and Allergy Foundation provides a high-quality learning environment for our students. These placements not only help students gain essential work-based experience but also inspire them to apply their academic learning to real community needs. It is a partnership that benefits everyone involved.”
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, expressed her pride in the ongoing collaboration with the University of Aberdeen “The University’s Work-Based Placement programme for students from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences is an exceptional initiative that truly embodies the power of partnership. We are proud to support a new generation of public health professionals by offering real-world learning experiences that deepen their understanding of asthma, allergies, and the wider challenges facing communities across Scotland. Together, we are building stronger pathways into public health careers while strengthening the impact we can make for the people who need us most.”
During the past decade, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has hosted hundreds of students through the University’s placement scheme, helping them gain practical insight into health promotion, research, charity operations and leadership development. Many alumni have gone on to successful careers in healthcare, research and public service, continuing to champion respiratory health and wellbeing.
As Scotland’s leading asthma charity, AAF continues to deliver life-changing community projects including My Breath Is My Life, The Breathing Room and Be Asthma Aware, alongside national campaigns such as Asthma 999 and National Fragrance-Free Day. Each initiative and every student placement contribute to AAF’s vision of a Scotland where no one faces asthma alone or dies needlessly from the condition.
“Empowering students is part of empowering Scotland,” added Martina Chukwuma-Ezike. “When we invest in education and real-world experience, we build stronger communities and a healthier future for all.”