St. Mary's

Young Scientists Investigate Global Health at Lancaster University

A Sixth Form student in a white lab coat and blue protective gloves stands at a modern university lab bench, filling out a scientific worksheet. In the background, other students are focused on using advanced microscopes in a brightly lit science laboratory.

Our Year 12 Biologists traded the classroom for the state-of-the-art facilities at Lancaster University on Wednesday 10th June.

The immersive day focused on parasitic diseases, primarily trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting tropical regions, where students experienced a fascinating lecture on parasites and global health. Putting theory straight into practice, the group then spent time in the university labs, developing crucial practical skills for their A-level studies by conducting diagnostic assays, using advanced microscopy to identify pathogens, and studying drug treatments.

Beyond the lab bench, the cohort attended an insightful personal statement workshop, gaining expert guidance on university applications before enjoying a guided tour of the campus.

We hope this experience inspires many of them to pursue the biological sciences at degree level.