30 June 2005
Sheffield school pupils step into the world of microbiology
Pupils from Chaucer School in Sheffield will visit the Royal Society in London next week to present their project `A Bug´s Life´ at the Society's Summer Science Exhibition, thanks to help from top scientists at the University of Sheffield. The project was one of over 300 funded to date by the Royal Society's Partnership Grants Scheme and was selected from this year's entries to illustrate the impact of the scheme in stimulating interest in science.
The project will be exhibited between Monday 4 July to Thursday 7 July 2005, alongside work from some of the nation´s top research establishments. As well as Fellows of the Royal Society, politicians, captains of industry and other eminent scientists, over 4000 members of the public are expected to attend the event and see the work of the Sheffield team.
The aim of the project was to provide a group of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils with an experience of higher education and the opportunity to learn more about science, particularly microbiology. In total, 50 pupils from the school spent three days earlier this year at the University´s Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, where they explored the world of microbes, learning how antibiotics can be used to cure infectious diseases such as TB and MRSA and how antibiotic resistance arises.
Dr Fiona Aitken, a science coordinator from Chaucer School, said: "This project has been a fantastic opportunity for the pupils. They have gained valuable experience in both science and higher education. To be invited to the Royal Society´s exhibition is great recognition of all the work that they have put in. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the University and hope to continue our partnership in the future."
Professor Jeff Green, from the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University, added: "The time spent at The University of Sheffield provided the pupils with an opportunity to experience the sort of hands-on practical work that is not possible in school laboratories. I would like to congratulate all the pupils who took part; they should be very proud that their achievement has been recognized by the Royal Society".
Professor Julia Goodfellow, Chief Executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, which part funded the project, said, "We are delighted to have supported a project that brings school pupils and scientists together and gives the researchers the opportunity to enthuse the students about science and their futures. I hope the pupils enjoy their experience at the Royal Society and the opportunity to meet a wide variety of scientists."
Professor Barry Furr, Chief Scientist at AstraZeneca, said: "Science is critically important to our Society and the future success of the Country. Its successful future application will depend on the young scientists of today. AstraZeneca is proud to be associated with this scheme that provides students with scientific challenges and achievements that will hopefully encourage them towards a career in Science. Display of their work at the Royal Society is an opportunity that they will never forget and they should be highly commended for the hard work that has allowed this to be realised."
Notes for Editors: The Royal Society's Partnership Grant scheme is sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills.
The Chaucer School project and funding for the exhibit was sponsored by the Royal Society, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, the Company of Biologists, the Society for General Microbiology, the Society for Experimental Biology and the University of Sheffield.
For further information: please contact Lindsey Bird, Media Relations Officer on 0114 222 5338 or email l.bird@sheffield.ac.uk
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