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Portree High School visit:
25 May 2010
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.
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2010 Queen's Birthday Honours for MRC Scientist:
18 June 2010
The Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit congratulates Professor Veronica van Heyningen on her recognition in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Professor Veronica van Heyningen is a group leader in the Medical and Developmental Genetics Section at the MRC's Human Genetics Unit. Professor van Heyningen is also the President of the Genetics Society. Order of the British Empire – Commander (CBE) for services to science.
About the Queen's Birthday Honours
- The 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours list was published on Saturday 12 June 2010, recognising outstanding achievement and service across the whole of the United Kingdom.
- The selection of these names was carried out by the independent committees during the previous administration. But the current Prime Minister has, in accordance with the normal practice, submitted them to the Queen for approval. The majority of awards have gone to extraordinary people from a wide range of fields who have made a real difference to life in their communities.
- In total 975 people have been recommended to the Queen for an award.
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