Science in Schools

A strong focus of the Institute’s Science & Society programme is to develop a range of scientific resources and information packs that complement and enhance school science.

Babraham has developed a more comprehensive communications strategy and increased the number and depth of interactions with schools, strengthening the scope of existing relationships and creating more sustainable partnerships. In particular we are creating an improved adult outreach programme, incorporating the socio-economic and ethical dimension of biomedical research.

We run an annual Schools’ Day for students from local secondary (usually years 10 and 11) and 6th form colleges. and also generate science projects with schools. These hands-on activities and interaction with scientists in a research institute bring a new dimension to Science in Schools and inspire students to consider a science-based career path. In 2005 we provided five ‘Researchers in Residence’ for the national scheme run by the Wellcome Trust and Research Councils UK (RCUK).

We have developed our ‘Real Life, Real Science’ outreach programme at the foundation and primary school level, and are now extending this into secondary schools this year. Our school liaison programme continues to be supported by the BBSRC Local Schools Co-ordinator scheme.

Institute scientists and PhD students are working with teachers to develop projects, give talks and seminars, demonstrate laboratory techniques and host pupil visits and work experience placements in their laboratories. Such interactions have increased three-fold over the last two years.

Raising Aspirations about Careers in Science

An objective of government is to increase the attractiveness of science careers to young people. Our work experience programme for young scientists is flourishing; each summer the Institute opens its doors to 6th formers, undergraduates and Master’s students, offering valuable insights into biomedical research through short research projects.

In 2006, four 6th formers awarded bursaries from the Nuffield Foundation worked 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 and neurodegenerative diseases. In both 2007 and 2008, six recipients of Nuffield Bursaries undertook 4-week projects at the Babraham Research Campus.

 

Students receiving prizes from Sir Michael Berridge (left), after presenting their work at a regional meeting to celebrate the Nuffield Foundation’s 6th Form bursary scheme, held at the Babraham Institute in October 2007.

 

 

Further information about the Nuffield Foundation's Summer Bursary scheme for 6th formers is available at http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/go/grants/nsbsc/page_526.html

Contacts

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

Mike Hinton
(Schools' Liaison)
01223 496364
Contact by email