Exciting Collaboration with MHRA Brings Cutting-Edge Science Workshops to Our Students!

During November our Applied and Forensic Science students had the privilege of participating in an inspiring and hands-on day of learning, thanks to the incredible support of 23 staff members from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This unique opportunity allowed Year 1 and Year 2 students to engage in six parallel workshops, each delivered by experienced scientists and subject matter experts from MHRA.

Throughout the day, students rotated through three workshops, honing vital hard and soft skills essential for their future careers in education or employment.

Deep Dive into Influenza and Vaccine Testing

One workshop focused on the influenza virus, its spread, pandemics, and the development of vaccines. MHRA experts shared their critical role in testing influenza vaccines to ensure their safety and efficacy. Students explored the Single Radial Immuno-Diffusion (SRD) procedure, a key method developed by MHRA to evaluate vaccine effectiveness. During a hands-on practical, students pipetted solutions, measured zones, and plotted graphs, comparing their results with MHRA's standard data—a true experience in professional vaccine testing practices!

Hands-On Science: From Sucrose Gradients to DNA Extraction

In another session, students delved into various scientific techniques, including:

• Creating sucrose density gradients by accurately pipetting solutions.
• Extracting DNA from raspberries using buffer solutions.
• Using micropipettes to fill haemocytometers for cell counting.
• Observing lung tissues under a microscope, including healthy samples and those affected by SARS-CoV-2.

These activities not only captivated students but also provided hands-on training in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), the use of micropipettes, and microscopy skills.

Celebrating Success

The MHRA team was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and active participation of our students. Their hard work and dedication were recognized, with prizes awarded to select groups for their outstanding contributions.

This collaborative event was a fantastic success, offering our students a valuable opportunity to engage with leading professionals and develop skills that will support their future aspirations. Thank you to MHRA for making this day possible and for inspiring the next generation of scientists!