Institute technicians host local school pupils

Technicians from the Institute of Translational Medicine, in partnership with the Widening Participation and Outreach Team, recently held an open day to help improve the diversity in STEMM subjects and the technical workforce, as well as increase the visibility of the technicians.

On Thursday, 27 June, members of the technical team, led by Dr Kevin Cham, invited 39 pupils from Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds from two schools, Calderstones School and the Academy of St Francis of Assisi, to an open day at the Institute of Translational Medicine.

During the day the students took part in a range of activities including; tours of the University campus and ‘state-of-the-art’ laboratories, DNA related experiments and a number of science-related career advice talks.

Dr Cham, said: “Black and minority ethnic and disadvantaged young people are under-represented in STEMM study and the STEMM workplace. The project with the help of my team was to enthuse, and inspire these particular groups to enter STEMM fields, and encourage the next generation of students to pick the University of Liverpool as a place to study and work.

“The idea was by promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, the University of Liverpool would create a greater opportunity for any individuals to fulfil their scientific potential, irrespective of their background or circumstances. In doing so, will help science to better serve society by attracting the widest possible talent to the science workforce and fostering a greater diversity of scientific ideas, research, and technology.

“In response to the day, both the students and the staff involved had a fantastic day and the feedback we have had has been extremely positive.”