The Babraham Institute receives strategic funding from the BBSRC
The Babraham Institute receives strategic funding from the BBSRC
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Babraham Institute opened its doors this summer to provide school pupils and undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain insights into biomedical research through short research projects and work-experience placements.
Four local 6th formers were awarded bursaries from the Nuffield Foundation to carry out 4-6 week projects at the Institute. Three were based in the Signalling Laboratory, where scientists are studying how cells communicate with each other to better understand medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, infertility, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and bipolar disorders such as manic depressive illness. The students will be presenting their work at a regional meeting to celebrate the Nuffield scheme at the Babraham Institute in October.
Four second year undergraduates from the Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh and Manchester were supported by the BBSRC Vacation Bursary scheme and the Babraham Institute to undertake 8 week research projects. Ausma Termanis, 20, who had attended Babraham's Schools’ Day in 2003 said, “My summer research project has allowed me to gain invaluable hands-on experience in lab work and develop a deeper insight into this exciting scientific field.”
Younger students also got a taste of the diverse range of other careers that are central to the operation of a biomedical research organisation through the Government’s ‘Connexions’ scheme. Nineteen GSCE students gained 2 weeks’ experience in areas such as computing, graphics, administration, security and, for the first time this year, in the Corporate Affairs Office to gain insights into careers in science communication and event management.
“It is through these training opportunities alongside inspirational scientists, that young people get first-hand exposure to biomedical research, which may inspire them to consider research or science-based careers“, said Dr Claire Cockcroft who leads the Science and Society Team at Babraham. “Building on the strength of our Annual Schools’ Day, which provides 140 students with ‘hands-on’ science and careers advice, we are extending the scope of our Schools Programme and are committed to providing more training opportunities, at all levels, for the scientists of the future.
Contact details:
Dr Claire Cockcroft
Head, External Relations
Contact by email
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496260
Fax: +44 (0)1223 496002
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 335978
Notes for Editors:
The Babraham Institute
The Babraham Institute is a charitable organisation devoted to biomedical research which is which receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The Institute’s research is focused on understanding the biological events that underlie the normal functions of cells and on how their failure or abnormality may lead to disease. As such, Institute scientists are striving to find cures for conditions where there is currently no treatment or where the existing treatment is not fully effective or causes serious side effects. The latest technologies are being used to study the basis of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's, foetal abnormality and cancer. The commercialisation of the Institute’s research is managed by its trading subsidiary, Babraham Bioscience Technologies Ltd. Babraham Research Campus is located six miles south-east of Cambridge.
The Nuffield Foundation
The Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme for schools and colleges is one of two schemes funded by the Nuffield Foundation to offer support at key stages in a scientific career. The other scheme is for undergraduates. The Nuffield Foundation is devoted to the advancement of health, education and social well being and has a long standing interest in science through curriculum development and schemes promoting access to science and scientific careers. The Nuffield Foundation is a charitable trust, founded in 1943. It is one of the major benefactions of William Morris, later Lord Nuffield. The Foundation now has a portfolio of investments producing an income around £8 million per year spent mainly on grants and a small number of in-house projects.
For further information consult this web site: www.nuffieldfoundation.org
Babraham Institute - Babraham Research Campus - Cambridge - United Kingdom