Babraham Institute wins regional award for work with schools

25th July 2007

The Babraham Institute recently won a prestigious regional award for its pioneering work with schools, designed to inspire students to pursue careers in science. Established in 2006, the 'Work with Schools Employer Engagement Awards' recognise excellence in employer engagement and encourage the development of professional partnerships to enhance vocational learning opportunities.

Hundreds of employers and schools from across the eastern region entered the Awards scheme, sponsored by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), the European Union European Social Fund, BBC Look East and the BBC Local Radio Stations. A gala evening of awards for best practice in school industry partnership took place, including Best Business, Best Students and Best School/Business Partnership with prizes presented by BBC Look East presenter Susie Fowler Watt.

Babraham was commended on the diverse and highly interactive education/industry programme of activities it undertakes with young people and received the 'Large Business Award', open to all employers in the Eastern Region with over 250 employees, to recognise 'the outstanding achievement, commitment and dedication by that company in offering vocational opportunities to young people'.

Dr Claire Cockcroft who runs the Institute's Science & Society Programme said, “I am delighted that the Institute's work with schools has been recognised. We organise numerous events throughout the year to give students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds a chance to experience leading-edge research and interact with our scientists. We also offer longer work experience placements to year 10 students and summer research placements to 6th formers and undergraduates to provide more in-depth insights into science and careers guidance. We hope that these activities will stimulate an interest in biomedical research careers but also introduce those who may eventually pursue different careers to the excitement of biological research and a greater understanding of its relevance to society”.

Carole McAlpine, Chair of the Awards Judging Panel said, “Many employers may already be making a significant contribution without getting recognition for their efforts; the Work with Schools Awards seeks to address this”. Now in its second year, a spokesperson for the Awards commented, “It is extraordinary the variety and richness of the work that is going on. The awards confirm we are setting the standard for working with young people in the East”.

The Institute was also runner up in the BBC Radio Cambridge School/Business Partnership Award, commended for its work with Cottenham Village College raising awareness of careers in laboratory technical support and workshops that discussed the ethical dimensions of biomedical research.

The Babraham Institute works closely with Ian Harvey, Head of Biology at Hills Road 6th Form College to provide students with access to hands-on laboratory experience and role models in science-based professions. The college also won an award - the Schools College/Business Partnership Award 2007- for an innovative learning project with GlaxoSmithKline, which enables student to explore strategies for tackling disease, in particular focussing on drugs to combat HIV/AIDS.

As employers continue to raise concerns regarding the readiness of young people for employment this unique Awards scheme celebrates best practice across the eastern region aimed at employers who want to help young people make a successful transition from education to the world of work.



Photo (from Left to Right): Amanda Burton, Cambridge Biologists' Network; Dr Ian Harvey, Head of Biology, Hills Road 6th Form College and founder of the Cambridge Biologists' Network; Dr Frank Ellis, School Liaison Manager, GSK and Dr Claire Cockcroft, Babraham Institute.

Contact details

Dr Claire Cockcroft
Head, External Relations
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496260
Fax: +44 (0)1223 496002
Contact by email

The Babraham Institute
Babraham Research Campus
Cambridge
CB22 3AT
United Kingdom


Notes for Editors:

The Babraham Institute is a charitable organisation devoted to biomedical research and is an institute of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). 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 neurodegenerative disorders, birth defects, cancer and diseases of the immune and cardiovascular systems. With a strategic focus on ‘healthy ageing’, novel approaches for tackling chronic diseases and public health concerns like obesity are being discovered. The Institute’s innovative research is commercialised through Babraham Bioscience Technologies (BBT) Ltd, which also manages Babraham’s vibrant Bioincubator on the Babraham Research Campus, six miles south-east of Cambridge.  Website: www.babraham.co.uk

Work With Schools Awards

The 'Work with Schools Employer Engagement Awards', sponsored by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), the European Union European Social Fund, BBC Look East and the BBC Local Radio Stations, was established in 2006 to recognise excellence in employer engagement across the East of England, and are open to any business, school or college in the Eastern Region which has formed partnerships to enhance vocational opportunities available to students. Hundreds of Employers and schools from across the eastern region entered the Work with Schools Employer Engagement Awards - where, if short listed, they can achieve the Work with Schools kite mark for excellence. The Award winners came from across the Eastern Counties and over 200 guests from business and schools attended the Awards evening held at Newmarket on the 28th June. The Awards were presented by BBC Look East Presenter Susie Fowler Watt. Website: www.workwithschools.co.uk