Budding biologists from Hellesdon Sixth Form have visited the world-renowned Wellcome Genome Institute in Cambridge.

Twenty-two students took part in the visit, touring the state-of-the-art facility and learning first-hand about the role genomics plays in modern biology and medicine. They were accompanied by their Biology Teacher, Charlotte Gardener.

“Home to some of the brightest minds”

“Hellesdon Sixth Form was honoured to be invited to attend a genomics event at the world-renowned Wellcome Genome Institute, a centre at the forefront of genomics research, pioneering discoveries that are shaping modern biology, medicine, and our understanding of the human genome,” she said.

“Home to cutting-edge, gene-sequencing technology and some of the brightest scientific minds, the institute is leading the way in exploring how our genes influence health, disease, and the future of biological research.”

The visit offered more than just a tour, giving students the chance to explore potential career pathways while seeing theory brought to life in a real laboratory setting.

“Our Year 12 and Year 13 students had an absolutely phenomenal experience,” continued Miss Gardener. “We attended inspiring careers talks that explored the many pathways into the biological workforce and revealed how Covid has impacted opportunities in microbiology and research.

“Then came the hands-on lab work: analysing the BRAF gene for mutations, practising precision micropipetting with creative designs, and even seeing the entire Human Genome laid out in book form.

“The highlight was looking inside the live, gene-sequencing labs, and witnessing cutting-edge science in action – truly unforgettable!”

“Trips like this are hugely beneficial”

Sabrina Woodhouse, Sixth Form Coordinator at Hellesdon, which is part of the Wensum Trust, said trips like this play a vital role in supporting students’ future ambitions.

“Trips like this are hugely beneficial to our students,” she said. “It gets them out of the classroom, raises their aspirations, and motivates them to work harder to gain their final results, and inspires them for their next steps.”