School pupils take part in Science Insights work experience programme

Science Insights is an exciting work experience programme for 5th year high school pupils who are curious about research in biological, biomedical and animal sciences.

It provides an opportunity to spend a week of the school summer holidays following a varied programme of activities hosted by staff and students at four different University of Edinburgh campuses – the Western General Hospital campus, BioQuarter, Easter Bush and Central campus - gaining real insights into various areas of research.

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The annual programme – launched in 2014 by the Institute of Genetics and Cancer and The Roslin Institute – now involves all six research institutes in the University of Edinburgh's College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

As well as meeting with students and scientists, pupils enjoyed tours of research facilities, presentations, workshops and research taster sessions which provided exciting hands-on experience.

Highlights also included a session on applying to university and group discussions on topics including research ethics, the use of animals in research, and diversity and inclusion in science.

During their day at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, pupils visited the zebrafish facility and Advanced Imaging Resource microscopy rooms.

They also got a taste of life in the lab with visits to the Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Edinburgh Cancer Research and the MRC Human Genetics Unit.

This year the pupils were particularly engaged and very aware of the variety of opportunities this programme offered, including developing their social skills in preparation for attending university, as well as being very keen to gain lab experience as their opportunities to do this in school had been severely limited by the pandemic.

Dee Davison, Science Insights Project Team

Related links

• More information about the Science Insights programme
• Public events and resources from the Institute of Genetics and Cancer