Knowledge Exchange Fellows at the event

A BIOMEDICAL research charity based in King’s Cross has been inspiring children in the borough to think differently about science and the careers it can lead to, as part of a programme aimed at making the world of work more accessible to young people.

LifeArc, currently based in Tavistock Square in Bloomsbury, is a charity which turns laboratory discoveries into real world medical treatments and tests for patients, focusing on rare diseases and childhood cancer treatments.

This summer, the charity took part in Camden Learning’s Summer of STEAM programme, which brought together pupils, employers and industry professionals through a series of events during the summer term.

More than 300 pupils attended Camden Primary Careers Day at the British Library, where they met more than 20 employers and learned about careers across science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

LifeArc was the only life sciences organisation taking part, running a stall with hands-on activities encouraging children to ask questions about scientific research.

Tilly Cooke, a Knowledge Exchange Fellow at LifeArc, said the event aimed to instil wonder in children who are interested in science.

“Our stall gave the opportunity for kids to learn about different scientific research through asking questions and what sort of jobs involve science and what opportunities are out there for them to learn about,” she said.

Ms Cooke, who has recently completed a master’s degree in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, is spending a year with LifeArc on a technology transfer programme.

She added: “We wanted to show that science isn’t just something that happens in labs but impacts people’s lives everyday and it’s in so many different jobs you wouldn’t expect.

“When kids think of science they think of an old man in the lab, with a very narrow view on opportunities. I think it would be really valuable to have some more interactive opportunities for kids to actually get involved themselves.

“Almost everything that happens in life is science-related, when you look around you and instilling that kind of wonder in children is so important.”

Anji Miller, director of LifeArc’s fellowship programme, said they look forward to participating in future events in the community.

She said: “For LifeArc, events and opportunities like this align with our mission to ensure promising research positively impacts society.

“The path from bench to bedside involves the expertise of many professionals. We are committed to ensure our future scientists and innovation professionals know and appreciate their career options early. Events and initiatives such as this can be the key experience that sets a young career on track by opening minds to the wide possibilities that exist.”