Scientists of the future: sixth formers showcase summer science projects at the Babraham Research Campus

26 October 2009

Twenty sixth formers had an unrivalled opportunity to do scientific research this summer in leading labs around Cambridgeshire, organised by STEMteam Cambridgeshire and supported by the Nuffield Foundation. Around 1000 such bursaries are provided each year, enabling sixth formers across the country to get first-hand experience of research and insights into scientific careers by spending four to six weeks working with inspirational scientists. The students presented their findings to scientists, teachers, parents and local industry at the Babraham Research Campus, after an inspiring lecture by Dr Klaus Okkenhaug, who heads a research team at Babraham investigating how the immune system develops.

The Babraham Institute this year hosted four students, two from Hills Road Sixth Form College and one from Peterborough High School and The Perse. They worked on projects investigating how cells communicate and relay intricate biochemical signals within cells; Babraham's world-leading research in cell signalling has provided insights into medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. All four students were awarded Gold CREST awards for their projects, an accreditation from the British Science Association.

Nicholas Evans a student at the Perse School said, "I found this experience at the Babraham Institute very valuable in giving me an insight into the world of scientific research. It has definitely inspired me to narrow my future career path to either Research Science or Medicine."

The John Innes Centre, like Babraham an institute of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), also supported two students, whose projects investigated the growth characteristics of different varieties of wheat. The University of Cambridge, MRC, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and ARM Ltd also provided an exciting range of projects.

Hannah Stuart, 18, a Nuffield Bursary student in 2008, was also invited back as a guest speaker, having been awarded national prizes for her research project last summer at the Babraham Institute. As a finalist at the Big Bang – the UK Young Science and Engineers Fair in 2009 – Hannah was invited to present her research at an EU competition for young scientists in Paris in March. Her second award is an opportunity of a life-time; a research project in Borneo next summer with the Royal Society.

She said, "My Nuffield placement allowed me to gain invaluable hands-on experience in lab work and develop a deeper insight into an exciting scientific field. Returning to Babraham again this summer has cemented my desire to pursue a research career."

Dr Simon Rudge, Hannah's supervisor at Babraham explained, "This scheme is very useful, not only because it ensures that new ideas & experiments are explored in our lab, but I personally enjoy mentoring young scientists and providing them with an opportunity to develop their enthusiasm for research science."

Dr Claire Cockcroft, who runs Babraham's public engagement programme added, "The Babraham Institute places great emphasis on engaging with young scientists, providing unique opportunities to experience leading-edge research and work with inspirational scientific role models. It is through these schemes that pupils get first-hand insight into the world of research, and a greater understanding of its relevance to society. We hope this will inspire them to consider research or science-based careers, contributing to the UK's future need for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills."

Sarah Saunders at The Nuffield Foundation said, "Our aim is to give students from all backgrounds a real insight into what a scientific career would be like. We are extremely grateful to the Babraham Institute for hosting students again this year - without project supervisors like those from Babraham, we would not be able to offer students such unique opportunities."

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