Encouraging the biotechnologists of tomorrow

University Technical College, Cambridge, UK, has joined with US-based biotechnology company MedImmune in launching a six-week “Challenge Project” aimed at UK students in Year 10.

MedImmune is the global biologics research and development arm of UK-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Sixty Year Ten students, aged around 14 to 16, will have the opportunity to spend one day a week with scientists from MedImmune’s Cambridge site learning about aspects of the company. This will range from drug development, regulation, manufacturing and pricing.

The students will be asked to create a presentation about the key challenges facing a company like MedImmune when it comes to delivering new biological medicines to potential patients. The presentations will be to a group of the company’s senior managers and lecturers from University Technical College Cambridge with the best presentations winning prizes.

Jacqui Hall, vice-president, Learning Standards and Insights at MedImmune, said: “MedImmune is committed to inspiring the scientists of the future and to encouraging those at school to consider a career in life sciences. We are enthusiastic supporters of science education and encourage our employees to cultivate the link between science and medicine within the wider community.”

Melanie Radford, principal of University Technical College, said: “One of University Technical College’s key objectives is to provide outstanding educational opportunities for learners aged 14 to 19, so that when they leave us they will be confident, enthusiastic, highly-skilled and qualified to enter higher education, further specialist training, apprenticeships or to move effectively into industry.

“This initiative with MedImmune is just part of this offering but is already providing immensely valuable learning and insights about pharmaceutical development and the associated career options to all our Year Ten students.”