University of Brighton researchers teamed up with BBC One’s Morning Live to investigate the dangers of counterfeit pet supplements sold online.
Professor Bhavik Patel, along with Technical Instructor Rora Wisby and student Ricoveer Shergill, welcomed a film crew to their lab in December to conduct vital testing. The resulting feature aired this week on BBC One and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
The Morning Live team contacted the University before Christmas after two viewers lost their pets after using what they later realised were counterfeit supplements, prompting an investigation into supplements purchased online. Initial research by Bhavik and his team on a similar batch of products purchased by the BBC production team revealed that the products were counterfeit, containing traces of the real supplement mixed with unknown substances.
During the filming, Bhavik – wearing his signature lab coat designed by his daughter – and his team re-tested the products on camera, confirming their initial findings. Bhavik then sat down for an interview with presenter Mark Lane, communicating the science behind the findings for viewers.
Bhavik said:
“This was an exciting experience to test some pet supplements during the filming. It was nice to be able to contribute to this film and provide some insight on the pet supplements and the risks of fake medicines. It was important to engage in this opportunity to publicise the research we are conducting and importantly open new avenues and partnerships.”
This collaboration came about through a proactive press strategy focused on connecting the University with broader broadcasting opportunities.
Media Relations Manager Kate Miller explained:
“We’ve been actively engaging with producers, directors, and journalists to position the University of Brighton as a go-to source for compelling research and engaging stories. A programme like Morning Live, with its large audience of 1.5 million, provides invaluable exposure for the University and the important work of our colleagues and students.
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