Scientists from the pharmaceutical industry have been talking to Northwich secondary school students about career paths into medicines research and development.

Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) partnership lead, Dr Laura Ajram, and lead scientist, Dr Malcolm Haddrick, took classes with pupils at Greenbank SEND School and Hartford Church of England High School about what it is like to work in medicines discovery.

The interactive lessons aimed to encourage students to think about the skills required to be a scientist, and how impactful a career in science can be.

The lessons are part of a school engagement programme between MDC and the Cheshire and Warrington's Local Enterprise Partnership's (LEP) Pledge Partnership.

Northwich Guardian: Dr Malcolm Haddrick (left) and Dr Laura Ajram (right) (Medicines Discovery Catapult)Dr Malcolm Haddrick (left) and Dr Laura Ajram (right) (Medicines Discovery Catapult) (Image: Medicines Discovery Catapult)

Dr Laura Ajram said: “It was a pleasure to speak to the students at Greenbank about how I established my career in science and the important work we do at MDC to drive innovative medicines discovery.

“The students were so engaged, and it was great to discuss how the skills they have already could be adapted to a scientific role in their future careers.

“The North West is an exciting hub for life science activity, and we want to ensure that young people across Cheshire know about all the exciting opportunities on their doorstep.

“The future success of the UK’s drug discovery sector relies on attracting new talent, and I hope that we have inspired these students to become future medicine makers.”

Northwich Guardian: Students at Hartford Church of England High School and Dr Malcolm Haddrick (Medicines Discovery Catapult)Students at Hartford Church of England High School and Dr Malcolm Haddrick (Medicines Discovery Catapult) (Image: Medicines Discovery Partnership)

The North West region employs more than 25,500 people in the life sciences sector and generates 38 per cent of all UK pharmaceutical output. 

MDC hopes nurturing and inspiring the next generation of scientists will ensure that the North West and the UK remain leading forces in drug discovery.

Victoria Keegan, assistant curriculum leader for science at Hartford Church of England High School, said: “It was fascinating to hear Malcolm talk about the interesting work he is doing in drug discovery.

“It was great for our students to see how the biology we study in school directly applies to real-world science and to get an insight into the vast range of careers available from the study of science.”