'Pharma-SEE!' named Finalist in prestigious Learning Technologies Awards

‘Pharma-SEE!’, HEIW’s immersive pharmacy education resource, has been announced as a finalist in the Learning Technologies Awards 2026 for its innovative approach to engaging and educating the future pharmacy workforce.

It is the UK’s first immersive virtual reality (VR) resource designed to inspire 13 to 18-year-olds to explore careers in pharmacy.

Developed by our pharmacy team in collaboration with Goggleminds, it addresses a critical workforce challenge: too few young people understand the roles within pharmacy.

‘Pharma-SEE!’ is a bilingual resource that offers interactive simulations that allow learners to explore pharmacy roles in realistic primary and secondary care settings. The resource is designed to build confidence, develop essential skills, and raise awareness of pharmacy careers in a way that resonates with today’s digital-native learners.

Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive:

• “It was really useful and enjoyable… a great way to raise awareness in such an innovative way and in line with the younger generation’s IT abilities.” – Kath Hodgson, Associate Pharmacy Dean, HEIW.
• “Really good fun – a very engaging way to give young people an overview of what Pharmacy is about.” – Alison Davies, Pharmacy Course Director, HEIW.
• “Pharma-SEE brings Pharmacy to life… Absolutely brilliant!” – Sue Bracegirdle, Future Workforce Manager, HEIW.
• “Pharma-SEE! is a bold step forward in how we connect with the next generation of aspiring healthcare professionals. It’s inspiring to see immersive technology being used to spark curiosity and widen access to pharmacy careers for young people across Wales.” - Elen Jones, Pharmacy Dean, HEIW.
• Our summer interns praised its realism, flexibility, and inclusivity, calling it “very fun and interactive” and “extremely beneficial to students.”

“We’re thrilled to be shortlisted alongside some incredible organisations. It’s been amazing to see how ‘Pharma-SEE!’ has been enjoyed by young learners. It demonstrates what’s possible when technology is used to enhance education and promote careers.” said Geraint Jones, Learning Resource Developer - Innovation and Technology at HEIW.

The Learning Technologies Awards ceremony will be held on 12 February 2026 in London.