Press Release

Inspiring scientists of the future

21st September 2006

Babraham Institute opened its doors this summer to provide school pupils and undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain insights into biomedical research through short research projects and work-experience placements.

Four local 6th formers were awarded bursaries from the Nuffield Foundation to carry out 4-6 week projects at the Institute. Three were based 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, neurodegenerative diseases and bipolar disorders such as manic depressive illness. The students will be presenting their work at a regional meeting to celebrate the Nuffield scheme at the Babraham Institute in October.

Four second year undergraduates from the Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh and Manchester were supported by the BBSRC Vacation Bursary scheme and the Babraham Institute to undertake 8 week research projects. Ausma Termanis, 20, who had attended Babraham's Schools’ Day in 2003 said, “My summer research project has allowed me to gain invaluable hands-on experience in lab work and develop a deeper insight into this exciting scientific field.”

Younger students also got a taste of the diverse range of other careers that are central to the operation of a biomedical research organisation through the Government’s ‘Connexions’ scheme. Nineteen GSCE students gained 2 weeks’ experience in areas such as computing, graphics, administration, security and, for the first time this year, in the Corporate Affairs Office to gain insights into careers in science communication and event management.

 “It is through these training opportunities alongside inspirational scientists, that young people get first-hand exposure to biomedical research, which may inspire them to consider research or science-based careers“, said Dr Claire Cockcroft who leads the Science and Society Team at Babraham. “Building on the strength of our Annual Schools’ Day, which provides 140 students with ‘hands-on’ science and careers advice, we are extending the scope of our Schools Programme and are committed to providing more training opportunities, at all levels, for the scientists of the future.