Year 10 scientists full of STEAM at Roche’s ‘GeneratioNext’

A group of Year 10 scientists spent the day at Roche Pharmaceuticals, learning about various careers in STEM

On Thursday 23rd March, we visited Roche Pharmaceutical in Welwyn Garden City to attend the GeneratioNext event (an early careers programme to help young people explore STEM careers).

We were given breakfast when we arrived which was a great surprise! We heard from a very inspiring keynote speaker, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, who discussed her career thus far and how science and technology have impacted all our lives. She asked us to always think ahead with technology and be innovative and creative at all times. We heard from a data manager who showed us how to use various data systems to assess levels of risk, we looked at what factors would affect who survived on the Titanic!

After lunch, which was provided (great food!), we worked in groups on mock clinical trials, uncovering what obstacles drug companies can encounter when trying to develop a new drug. It was a competition and my team won!

We also had a careers fair for an hour where we could chat to scientists at Roche and ask about their projects, career paths and were given handy hints to help us as we continue our learning journey at Bishop’s. It was a great day, with lots of useful career advice, new knowledge linked to our GCSE Biology specification and some fantastic food and freebies!

Penelope D