Public Engagement:
Sixth-Form Conferences

This new initiative was launched in November 2007, after consultation with teachers, aiming to enrich A’ level biology, broaden pupils’ awareness of socio-ethical issues in science and contribute to teachers’ Continuing Professional Development. Speakers are drawn from academia, industry and the legal world to explain the scientific and ethical issues associated with the technology and the commercial applications, translating basic science into healthcare benefits for society. Through providing an opportunity to speak informally with researchers and PhD students, the conferences also aim to inspire the next generation to consider careers in science.

Stem Cell Symposium - November 2011
Applied Science Programme - 2010
Stem Cell Symposium - March 2010
Bioscience of Ageing 6th Form Conference - June 2008
Stem Cell Symposium - November 2007

Teacher Feedback, Stem Cell Conference 2007

“The day was a great experience for the girls. The lectures were inspiring and whilst some of it was a little complicated for less able students it did give them an insight into the world of research and its relevance to society. Mixing with other 6th formers to exchange ideas and experience different attitudes was a great benefit. It also served a purpose in looking at a part of the syllabus that would enable them to extrapolate ideas and consider ethics and social consequences. The new OCR syllabus being taught from 09/08 involves more on how science works and the conference certainly addressed those issues. We shall certainly wish to attend again. It introduced our new A’ level students to a more grown up world where they were treated as adults and their opinions were valued. It also gave me a chance to see democs in action ...so thank you.”
Maria Dixon, Hitchin Girls School

“Personally I found the conference an excellent experience on every level. The day was well organised, informative and fun. The students benefited greatly from the opportunity to visit a world renowned research establishment and to meet scientist working in an area of great importance to future health care....

The opportunity to listen to the history behind stem cell research delivered by the scientist involved was invaluable. I know that this really inspired some of my students to consider research rather than medical school. As someone who had a 15 year research career it is still very difficult to make the excitement and possibilities come alive to A’ level students and a day like this can bring the reality to life in a way that is not possible in the classroom. The opportunity to debate the issues in a structured way with peers worked very well. The feed-back from my students was very positive....

Because the day worked so well on so many levels, and the fact that an awareness of ethical issues it is part of the A level Biology curriculum I would be very keen to embed this day into my teaching year. The impact of one day like this is something that hours spent in the classroom cannot replicate. I would like to thank everyone involved for all their very hard and very valuable work!”
Janet Holden, Head of Biology, CATS College, Cambridge

Comments from student questionnaires

“An inspiring insight into stem cells and a more educated opinion into the issues surrounding stem cell research and the use of embryos.”

“Sorted out my views on stem cell research and allowed me to explore ethical issues surrounding topics. Brilliant.”

“Nice that big names have time to aid younger people's understanding.”

“As a secondary school student, I found the lectures interesting, informative and quite enlightening. Everything was explained well, both visually and verbally and these kinds of experiences will be important for me in making decisions about further education.”

“I particularly enjoyed the input from Prof. Bradley considering his involvement with research into ES cells from its earliest stages. I also found Dr Roberts' commercial approach as it challenged me to consider the issues of stem cell from a different perspective.”

Contacts:

Dr Claire Cockcroft
Head, External Relations
01223 496260
Contact by email

Dr Anja Drozd
External Relations Officer and Secondary School Outreach
01223 496000
Contact by email

We are grateful to Eppendorf UK who support our Primary and Secondary science outreach programmes with ideas, consumables and resources. We are working together to develop and deliver NEW resources to reflect these ideas as well as the science of the Babraham Institute.