NEWS
Budding scientists from Melbourn Village College had the chance to see some of the most advanced working laboratories in the region, when they were invited by Melbourn Scientific Limited to tour its new facilities.
Melbourn Scientific, has recently moved to new premises in Saxon Way, Melbourn, it has taken a revolutionary approach to designing its laboratory and it invited the pupils in to show what scientists do in the real world and demonstrate the relevance and significance of what they do in the classroom.
The company provides outsourced analysis of products and ingredients for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries, ensuring that tablets, inhalers, creams and capsules all perform as they should.
Melbourn Scientific has a varied workforce and many of their scientists do come straight from school. One of the areas discussed was Melbourn’s policy of encouraging staff to fulfil their potential and this has provided tangible benefits for the company. Its skilled staff base has enabled it to compete successfully in an international contract services market.
Mark Hammond Business Development Director at Melbourn Scientific explained:
‘The analytical techniques used vary from simple through to very complex procedures, but Melbourn Scientific has an in-house training programme that all of our staff go through regardless of their previous experience. We are much more interested in a person’s attitude and aptitude and have taken on several school leavers, whom we have supported whilst gaining higher qualifications.”
Applied Science Teacher, Mrs Anna Ghale who is herself an Analytical Chemist brought her Year 11 class. She said, “It’s very important for the pupils to see that the science they study at GCSE is the foundation of what’s needed in an analytical lab. It’s all about bringing science alive. We have done a lot of work on qualitative analysis and it is great for the pupils to see this being done in a working lab.
“The visit to Melbourn Scientific has given the class a real boost to their confidence. It’s all about showing the pupils what opportunities are out there.”
15 year old Hannah Cooper is from Palmer’s Way in Melbourn, she has always enjoyed science but the visit to the lab has persuaded her to study it at A-level. She said, “I was so impressed with the lab and seeing scientists carrying out drug analysis. It’s been very worthwhile coming along because it has made me seriously think about a career in science.”
Tom Care lives in Fowlmere and he hopes to study science at university. He said, “Although the lab at Melbourn Scientific is on a much larger scale to the one at school it was interesting to see that some of the tests weren’t that dissimilar to the experiments we do in the classroom.”
Mark Hammond, added, “The pupils showed a real interest in what was being demonstrated and asked some intelligent questions. We were keen to demonstrate to local pupils that science is an interesting career option and one that isn’t just open to graduates”
Expansion of its range of services prompted Melbourn Scientific to move from the Science Park to its larger premises on the Saxon Way Business Park.
The premises were selected in preference to pre-built laboratories as Melbourn wanted to design its own workspace.