To celebrate the scheme’s anniversary, Napp and Mundipharma International hosted a ‘Morning of Science’ with young scientists from William Westley C of E Primary School who participated in exciting, hands-on educational activities, including the ‘Mini-Production Process’ which follows the process of making medicines using everyday ingredients, like sugar, flour and salt. All of the activities undertaken by the scheme are designed to be curriculum specific and tailored to enhance learning goals from ages four to 18.
Napp and Mundipharma International are committed to contributing to the science education of the next generation in the UK. Together with their independent associated companies on the Cambridge Science Park, including Bard Pharmaceuticals Limited, they established the Science Ambassadors scheme 10 years ago, recruiting staff to volunteer and share their passion for science with local school children. To date the scheme has trained 80 Science Ambassadors and worked with more than 100 different schools from the Cambridge area.
Napp believes that STEMM subjects are increasingly important in our everyday lives, not only because more scientists will be needed in future, but because everyone needs to be able to make informed choices about complex subjects, including health, use of technology, our impact on the environment and the ethics of scientific research.
“As STEMM subjects grow in relevance, we believe it’s essential to support the next generation to not only understand the basics of science, but to be encouraged to ask questions about the world around them. By using our talent and array of science backgrounds, knowledge and skills we can offer valuable experience and insight to inspire and motivate children”, said Jo Montgomery, Educational Liaison and Science Ambassador scheme coordinator.
A true success story from the scheme can be seen in one of its own Science Ambassadors, Will Young, who first experienced the scheme as a student and now works in the medicines stability lab for Bard Pharmaceuticals Limited.
“This scheme helps give students a really different kind of insight into what opportunities there are beyond school. Students can talk to people who are actually in the roles, and gain experience from the activities they provide, which goes beyond the classroom. A visit to my school by a Science Ambassador inspired me to choose a STEMM career – now 12 years later I’m delighted to be working in medicines production and inspiring a new generation of scientists.”
As well as teaching activities, the scheme regularly hosts mini-conferences for sixth formers on the different careers available in the pharmaceutical industry; provides continued upskilling opportunities for primary school teachers for hands on science activities; and has partnered with a number of events in the Cambridge area including, Big Biology Day, The Cambridge Science festival and The Fun Lab at The Big Weekend. In addition, Jo Montgomery is an active participant on both local and national education committees, such as the Science Consultation Forum, to help shape the science curriculum for schools.
About Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited
Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited is a privately owned UK organisation based in the heart of the Cambridge science community, and part of a worldwide network of independently associated companies across 48 countries. Napp has grown up with the NHS, providing innovative medicines to patients in the UK since the 1920s. Napp is committed to improving patient outcomes and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare. At Napp, we are proud of our heritage, which began in the treatment of chronic pain and has expanded into respiratory medicine, oncology and inflammatory disorders.
For more information, please visit http://napp.co.uk/
About Mundipharma International Limited
Mundipharma and its independent associated companies are privately owned companies and joint ventures covering the world's pharmaceutical markets. These companies are committed to bringing to patients the benefits of significant new treatment options in the core therapy areas of pain, respiratory, oncology and inflammatory conditions. Through innovation, design and acquisition, Mundipharma and its independent associated companies deliver important treatments to meet the most pressing needs of patients, healthcare professionals and health systems worldwide.
For further information please visit: www.mundipharma.com
About Bard Pharmaceuticals Limited
Bard Pharmaceuticals Ltd is the Production and Supply Chain business of the Napp Pharmaceutical Group. At the forefront of controlled release technology, Bard Pharmaceuticals produces specialised medicines to help manage pain and other disease areas. The company also manufactures, packs and supplies products to over 40 countries around the world, helping to bring benefits to many patients’ lives.
For further information please visit: http://bardpharmaceuticals.co.uk
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For more information contact:
Tatiana Allan - firstlight PR 020 3434 1012
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