Our Sixth Form students interested in Biology and Biomedical Science were recently offered a fascinating enrichment opportunity: attending The Hon Dorothy Wedgwood OBE Annual Christmas Lecture for Young People at the University of Manchester.

Unlocking the Key to Modern Healthcare

This year's prestigious lecture was delivered by Professor Sheena Cruickshank, a leading Immunologist at the University of Manchester. Her research focuses on the complex relationship between our immune system and the things we encounter every day.

"Her research investigates the immune response to threats like infections or pollutants, or things that are beneficial like our microbiome," the lecture information highlighted.

Professor Cruickshank is also renowned for her commitment to science communication, working to involve diverse communities and guiding policy decisions with her expertise. The subject of this year's talk was the cutting-edge medical question: “Our microscopic universe - is our microbiome the key to modern healthcare?”

Enriching Knowledge Beyond A-Level

This visit was specifically chosen to provide our students with a rich educational experience that extends beyond the A-Level syllabus.

Director of Science, Mrs Howe, praised the value of the experience: "Attending the Wedgwood Lecture gives our most ambitious science students an invaluable insight into active, world-class research. Seeing Professor Cruickshank present such a vital, current topic helps them connect classroom theory directly to their potential future careers in scientific innovation."

This opportunity undoubtedly fuelled the curiosity of our future scientists, giving them a taste of the exciting medical research landscape at the University of Manchester.