Press Release

Babraham Institute wins regional award for work with schools

24th 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 lab 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

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