The Legacy Programme for the 36th International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVC 2024) was established to ensure the event left a meaningful and lasting impact on the local community and beyond.
Through a year-long programme of targeted initiatives, the Legacy Committee, in collaboration with leading experts and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), focused on raising awareness about HPV across Scotland. The programme’s core objectives included increasing HPV vaccination rates, enhancing public knowledge, and fostering global dialogue on HPV-related health challenges.
Key Achievements at a Glance
- Secured $5,000 USD in funding to support community outreach and education.
- Launched a dedicated HPV information hub reaching thousands of people in Scotland.
- Engaged over 1,200 students in schools with educational workshops, significantly increasing vaccination rates.
- Delivered expert-led public discussions that influenced future collaboration with local health professionals.
- Targeted university students, including international students who may lack HPV vaccine access in their home countries.
- Illuminated Scottish landmarks in purple to spark public awareness of HPV and cervical cancer prevention.
- Integrated HPV education into existing academic and community structures, ensuring sustained impact beyond the conference.
Legacy Committee:
The Legacy Programme was designed and delivered by a dedicated committee of experts.
Kate Cuschieri: Director of the Scottish HPV Reference Laboratory (HNS) and Lead of the HPV Research Group at the University of Edinburgh.
Dr Sharon Hanley: Senior Lecturer University of Aberdeen.
Professor Sheila Graham: Professor of Molecular Virology, University of Glasgow.
Professor Eva Malone: Professor of Bioscience Education and Immunology, Edinburgh Napier University.
Chris Amsinger: International HPV Awareness Campaign Officer, The International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS)
Gayle McGuinn: Head of Association Sales, Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Key Activities and Outcomes:
1. Targeted HPV Awareness & Vaccination Initiatives in Schools
Objective: Increase HPV knowledge and vaccine uptake among S1 & S2 school students (aged 11 to 13), particularly in areas with historically low vaccination rates.
What We Did:
- Delivered interactive educational workshops to over 1,200 S1 and S2 students, in partnership with Edinburgh Bio Quarter and NHS Lothian.
- Developed a tailored HPV awareness programme featuring quizzes, activities, and expert presentations.
- Engaged ‘Student Science Supporters’ from the University of Edinburgh to continue the programme for 2025.
| Date | Location (name of School, City) | Numbers reached | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | |||
| 17th April | Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh | 80 x S1 and S2 Students |
|
| 2025 | |||
| 23rd February | Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh | 120 x S1 and S2 Students |
|
| 3rd February | Holyrood RC High School | 360 x S1 and S2 Students | |
| 17 February | Gracemount High School | 220 x S1 and S2 Students | |
| April | Liberton High School | 175+ x S1 and S2 Students | |
| 17th, 19th & 21st March | Wester Hailes High School | Expecting around 70 students |
|
| 19th, 20th, 26th & 28th March | Forrester High School | Expecting between 125 – 150 students | |
| 17th, 21st, 27th, 28th & 31st March | St. Augustine’s RC High School | Expecting between 150-180 students | |
2. Public Engagement Through EICC Live: Expert Panel Discussion
Objective: Bring the conversation on HPV prevention and cervical cancer elimination to the wider public.
What We Did:
- Hosted a high-profile panel discussion at the EICC featuring global experts in HPV research and prevention.
- Covered key topics, including the elimination of cervical cancer, HPV in males, and the global challenge of vaccine accessibility.
| Date | Topic covered | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 17th April |
|
80+ attendees, including healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers. |
3. University & College Engagement: Expanding HPV Awareness Among Students
Objective: To increase HPV awareness and vaccine access among university students—particularly international students—who may not have received the HPV vaccine in their home countries.
What We Did:
- Pop-up Education Events: Delivered two HPV awareness events at Edinburgh Napier University as part of ENU’s Wellbeing Afternoon (October 2024) and ENU’s Wellbeing Day (February 2025). Plans are in place to continue these events in 2025/26.
- Undergraduate Curriculum Integration: Embedded HPV awareness (vaccination and screening) into the BMS09100 Immunology module within Edinburgh Napier University’s Biomedical Science and Biological Sciences undergraduate programs. This was implemented in November 2024 and will continue permanently.
- Postgraduate Curriculum Development: Currently developing HPV awareness content for postgraduate-level courses in 2025/26, expanding long-term engagement with students.
- Institutional Impact: Ensured HPV vaccination and screening education is now permanently integrated across relevant Immunology modules at Edinburgh Napier University, securing sustained awareness across multiple academic levels.
| Date | Location | Numbers reached | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th October 2024 | Edinburgh Napier University, Merchiston Campus | Approx. 130 students and staff attended. Spoke directly to 40+ students | Nearly all students engaged were international students with little or no prior knowledge of HPV. |
| 5th February 2025 | Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus | Approx. 350 students and staff attended. | Spoke directly to 60+ students 90% of students who engaged were unaware of HPV or the vaccine. Conversations were in-depth, with students eager to learn more. |
| November 2024 | Edinburgh Napier University – Undergraduate Curriculum | 70 students (expected to increase to 80 in 2025/26) | HPV vaccination and screening education permanently embedded in the undergraduate Biomedical Science and Biological Sciences curriculum. |
| 2025/26 (in development) | Edinburgh Napier University – Postgraduate Curriculum | To be confirmed | HPV awareness education expanding to postgraduate students, ensuring long-term institutional impact. |
| 2024 – Ongoing | Edinburgh Napier University – Institution-Wide Curriculum | Institutional impact | HPV vaccination and screening education integrated across Immunology modules, securing a permanent place in the university’s curriculum. |
4. Purple Light Up Campaign: Raising Visibility Across Scotland
Objective: Use a bold, visual campaign to raise national awareness of HPV and its prevention.
What We Did:
lluminated six major Scottish landmarks in purple, including:
- Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)
- Edinburgh Napier University – Craiglockhart Campus
- University of Aberdeen – King’s College
- University of Glasgow – Gilbert Scott Building
- University of Edinburgh – New College
- Scott Monument, Edinburgh
Impact:
Social media and press release used to amplify the message, ensuring HPV awareness reached a broad audience.
5. Conference Delegate Engagement: Strengthening Global Advocacy
Objective: Equip conference delegates with tools to advocate for HPV prevention in their own communities.
What We Did:
- Created a dedicated HPV Awareness Programme at IPVC 2024.
- Delivered expert-led sessions on how to effectively communicate HPV risks and vaccination benefits.
Impact:
Delegates shared knowledge with their home countries, extending the conference’s legacy beyond Scotland.
| Tuesday, November 12th | Wednesday, November 13th | Thursday, November 14th | Friday, November 15th |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTRO HPV AWARENESS PROGRAM at IPVC 2024 Coffee break session #1 9:00-9:30 ProductTheatre |
HARNESSING THE POWER OF REGIONAL & COUNTRY PARTNERS FOR CERVICAL CANCER ELIMINATION Symposium #9 10:00-11:00 Tinto Auditorium |
ZUMBA DANCE CLASS 7:00-7:30 Strathblane Hall |
A LIFE-COURSE APPROACH ON THE PERSPECTIVES OF WOMEN AT RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER Symposium #6 8:00-9:00 Tinto Auditorium |
| TAPPING INTO THE POWER OFLIVED EXPERIENCE (lead in to Symposium #3) Coffee break session #2 15:45-16:15 ProductTheatre |
COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE Symposium #4 11:10-12:10 Tinto Auditorium |
COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE Symposium #4 11:10-12:10 Tinto Auditorium |
NAVIGATING HPV VACCINATION IMPLEMENTATION IN LMICS: LESSONS LEARNED FROMWEST AFRICA Symposium #5 9:10-10:40 Tinto Auditorium |
| Campaign 2025 Workshop - for IPVS Country Ambassadors (invitation only) 16:45-17:45 Tinto Auditorium |
TAPPING INTO THE POWER OFLIVED EXPERIENCE Symposium #3 13:45-15:15 Tinto Auditorium |
MALES & HPV Symposium #1 9:00-10:30 Tinto Auditorium |
ALTERNATIVE SETTINGSTO ADDRESS COMMUNITY ACCESS AND HPV VACCINATION UPTAKE Symposium #8 13:50 - 14:40 Tinto Auditorium |
| TALKING TO YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT HPV Coffee break session #3 10:30-11:00 Product Theatre |
|||
| ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES Symposium #2 11:00-12:30 Tinto Auditorium |
|||
|
GENDER NEUTRAL VACCINATION 16:00-17:30 Tinto Auditorium |
6. Media & Social Media Impact
Objective: Expand the reach of the Legacy Programme through traditional and digital media.
What We Did:
- Launched a dedicated legacy page providing accessible and Scotland-specific information on HPV and vaccination eligibility. QR codes featured prominently on all campaign materials, directing individuals to this resource. (https://www.askabouthpv.org/scotland-lets-tackle-hpv-together)
- Issued a press release at the time of the conference to raise awareness.
- Published a public case study following the conference to document impact and insights.
Impact:
- 151 media mentions across various platforms.
- Total reach: 59.5 million
- Top locations: Canada, US, and UK.
7. Community HPV Awareness Initiatives
Objective: Extend the HPV awareness message beyond conference attendees to the general public.
What We Did:
- Displayed pop-up banner at the EICC throughout the Edinburgh International Festival, directing people to HPV vaccination resources. Approximately 60,000 people attended the EICC during this time.
- Hosted a mass Zumba class during the conference, promoting both HPV awareness and physical activity.
- Organised a scavenger hunt for delegates to explore Edinburgh while promoting HPV awareness.
- Half Marathon Participation: Legacy committee members took part in a charity half marathon to raise awareness and funding for HPV initiatives.
Impact:
• Increased public visibility of the HPV awareness campaign.
Conclusion:
The IPVC 2024 Legacy Programme has already demonstrated significant impact, improving HPV education, increasing vaccination rates, and fostering long-term collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, and communities.
This initiative has laid the foundation for continued engagement beyond the conference, ensuring the conversation around HPV prevention remains a priority in Scotland and beyond.