Sixth formers broaden their horizons at the Babraham Institute

30th November 2011

The Babraham Institute opened its doors recently to over 60 sixth formers from around the region for a unique learning experience. Established in 2009, this conference provides Applied Science students with in-depth information about the Babraham Research Campus and career options related to science.

Dr Anja Drozd, who organises the annual conference explained, “We started this conference three years ago for Applied Science students from Long Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge, to enable them to gather the information necessary for their coursework, such as the Institute’s science, on-site facilities and health and safety. We were delighted that this year additional students could attend from the College of West Anglia at the King’s Lynn Campus, who are studying for either a BTEC or A-level in Applied Science. The event also provides insight into the broad range of careers available at the Institute, raising students’ aspirations about career paths for which there is demand in the region.”

Huw Williams, the Course Team Leader of Applied Science at Long Road Sixth Form College said, “The visit provides our students of Applied Science with the ideal opportunity to find out about an organisation at the forefront of scientific research for their portfolio presentation on 'Science at Work.'  This is an essential part of the coursework for the A-level course.  Students also benefit from finding out about alternative routes into science, science support and engineering of which they were not aware.”

Many students commented that the event helped towards making career decisions. Eusebai Asare Parbi, a student at Long Road Sixth Form College said, “The event was very useful because it had a lot of information and it gave me an insight into just how many careers you can have in science.”

Contact

Dr Anja Drozd
External Relations Officer
Email: anja.drozd@babraham.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496206

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

Notes to Editors:

The Babraham Institute

The Babraham Institute, which receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), undertakes international quality life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. The institute received £22.4M investment from BBSRC in 2010-11. The Institute’s research provides greater understanding of the biological events that underlie the normal functions of cells and the implication of failure or abnormalities in these processes. Research focuses on signalling and genome regulation, particularly the interplay between the two and how epigenetic signals can influence important physiological adaptations during the lifespan of an organism. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and healthier ageing. (www.babraham.ac.uk)

About BBSRC

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.

Funded by Government, and with an annual budget of around £445M, we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: www.bbsrc.ac.uk

For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes see: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/institutes