The MRC Human Genetics Unit encourages interactions between scientists and schools. In addition to the Science Festival, many researchers at the unit have taken part in a variety of activities that involve encouraging science and scientific thinking among school-age students, and we always welcome approaches by interested teachers from local schools.

Dr Joe Rainger, a researcher in David FitzPatrick's laboratory, has a keen interest in promoting science in schools and has been active for several years in this area. He has undertaken several Researcher in Residence programmes at both Broughton High School and Knox Academy, where students are introduced to world leading biological research being done on their doorstep through talks and practical activities that are carefully coordinated to complement their academic curriculum.

Other events organised by the Unit have been careers forums (to encourage an increased uptake of scientific subjects at Standard Grade) and site visits to the unit. In addition, Joe is also involved with the Debating Matters programme run by the Institute of Ideas, a national debating competition for schools, for which he acts as a judge at local, regional and national events.

These debates do not always involve scientific issues but the motions always have current topical relevance and fiercely argued by the students and are an excellent way of promoting good research skills and developing the ability to argue or defend a particular point of view, no matter how controversial!

Dr Ian Overton and Alex Lubbock, from the unit's Biomedical Systems Analysis Section facilitated workshops with primary 7 pupils (10-11 year olds) as part of the Curriculum for Excellence event 'Think Ahead to Work' hosted at Liberton High School Edinburgh.

The workshops introduced concepts around biomedical research, genetics and computational biology, as well as communicating the importance of relevant skills and qualifications.

Ian and Alex were delighted with the positive feedback they received from the children, whose written comments included "Cool fun"; "It was interesting to learn about DNA" and "It was good".

The Human Genetics Unit was delighted to be involved in the recent Celebration of Achievement Awards Ceremony at Broughton High School on the 23rd June 2010. In addition to celebrating their academic achievements, the event chartered the senior school pupils´ journey through the academic year, highlighting the diverse array of trips, projects, events and collaborations.

Attendees were treated to several pieces of outstanding live music, dance and musical theatre, and keynote speaker Ms Jane Wood (Scottish Business in the Community) delivered an inspiring talk, rallying students to follow their ambitions and to make the most of all the opportunities they have. Dr Joe Rainger from the Unit then gave a short talk on the importance of science, not just in education, but also in our everyday life, before congratulating each of the Science Prizewinners.

The Unit has forged a strong partnership with Dave Cockburn's Science department over the recent years and was proud to be the Sponsor for the Science Prizes. The Unit hopes to continue, and develop further, its link with this truly inspiring school and its students, and would like to once again congratulate all of this year's Prizewinners.

Second Year PhD student, Niki Wyatt, recently visited Portree High School on the Isle of Skye, as part of a Royal Society Partnership Grant between Niki and Jennifer Hendry, the head of Biology at the school.

Royal Society Partnership Grants provide funds to support collaborations between teachers and scientists on science based projects which inspire young people and give them an insight into modern science. This grant was specifically to support the development and implementation of DNA based practicals within the school for S1 to S6. The grant has enabled the school to purchase new equipment and consumables for molecular biology practicals, including restriction enzyme digestion and bacterial transformation.

Niki commented:

"The greater impact of molecular biology and genetics on the modern world has made it increasingly important for children to understand the applications and to make informed opinions about the ethical implications of technologies arising from these areas."

During this visit Niki spent most of her time helping to design and troubleshoot practicals which will be undertaken over the next academic year. The practicals designed can be completed in one lesson, are reliable in a classroom setting and are low cost, meaning that they can be run for all pupils on a school budget. She also spoke to an S2 class about the scientific applications of DNA and this class were then the first to try out one of the new practicals: a paternity test!

"The pupils enjoyed the chance to use equipment and techniques which were entirely new to them. The practical allowed them to see and try the techniques used in real labs (not just hear about them) giving a richer, more interactive learning experience".

Niki will be re-visiting the school in October to see the practicals in action and to give career and scientific talks to pupils.

As part of the Human Genetics Unit's (HGU) continued commitment to foster links with close neighbours Broughton High School, Researcher Dr Joe Rainger and MRC Regional Communications Manager Hazel Lambert recently visited the school to give careers talks to S2 students.

The aim was to inspire students, who were about to choose their standard grade options, into taking more science subjects. Joe spoke about some of the world-leading research conducted in the HGU in the areas of gene expression modeling and mapping and the uncovering of genes critical to human development.

Hazel illustrated how her scientific background had taken her career on an exciting path, through the tunnels of the Large Hadron Collider, to the coral reefs off Borneo. Both speakers also illustrated how science is all around us in our everyday lives and how having even a basic understanding of science equips people with a more enlightened viewpoint on discoveries and events going on around them. The talks were well received and hopefully inspired pupils to do more than just consider scientific subjects when they make their final course decisions.

"We found teaching and talking with a different audience really rewarding and useful in terms of public engagement. The pupils seemed to really enjoy the activities and hopefully we dispelled some myths about scientists too!."