Students from Sandwich practise microbiology at Discovery Park

Students from Sir Roger Manwood’s School in Sandwich, Kent, UK, have been given the opportunity to conduct experiments in a professional laboratory at Discovery Park, Europe’s leading science and technology park.

The project is being managed through Discovery Park tenant, AlgaeCytes, an innovative science business that develops and commercialises algae derived bioactive ingredients. Fourteen AS Level Biology students are taking part in the practical project over eight weeks. The laboratory that the students will be working from has been donated by Discovery Park.

It’s important for us to share knowledge with students and show the younger generation that they can extend their passion for science into a career

The project will see students learn microbiology techniques; from growing and monitoring the growth of algae, to monitoring how bacteria affect the growth of algae and conducting cell counts. The experience will see them learn techniques usually taught at university level. They will get to see first hand how professionals conduct experiments and deliver data.

Students will then present their findings and results at the end of the project.

AlgaeCyte’s youngest Research Technician, Leah Lewington-Pearce, will be leading the workshops. She and John Dodd, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of AlgaeCytes, designed the student programme together.

'We are glad to be working with Discovery Park to extend what we do in the laboratory, as a business, out to the community,' said Dodd. 'We believe events like this will help to generate the scientists of the future who may one day want to work for us.

'It’s important for us to share knowledge with students and show the younger generation that they can extend their passion for science into a career. We hope that at least a couple of the students will think more seriously about studying science at university level after taking part in our project.'

It’s really exciting for our students to get experience conducting research experiments in a state-of-the-art, professional lab

Jackie Wilson and Victoria Grist, biology teachers at Sir Roger Manwood’s School, attended Discovery Park with their students and took part in the activities. 'It’s really exciting for our students to get experience conducting research experiments in a state-of-the-art, professional lab,' said Grist. 'We think it is important for students to get a view of science outside of the school curriculum. Schools simply do not have the funding or equipment to facilitate these types of advanced experiments, so businesses stepping forward and inviting students into their workplaces will give our students an invaluable experience.'

Jackie Wilson added: 'Sir Roger Manwood’s School is grateful to AlgaeCytes and Discovery Park for providing this opportunity for our students.'  Kimberley Anderson, Project Manager at Discovery Park, said: 'Working with our local schools is an important part of our community activity and I am delighted that we have been able to support this project.'