In July, around 200 Year 10 students from nine secondary schools in the Unity Schools Partnership visited the Wellcome Sanger Institute for Wellcome Connecting Science’s annual schools conference. The aim of this inspiring event is to provide an in-person opportunity for young people to learn about genomics and its applications, get hands-on with a range of activities, and discover the diverse career opportunities available in the field.
Thanks to our Engagement and Society team, and over 30 volunteers from across the wider Sanger Institute, students enjoyed a packed programme. They heard from experts, toured one of the world’s largest DNA sequencing facilities, explored bioinformatics, and created genomics-themed artwork through a creative micropipetting activity. Students enjoyed grilling staff members in speed networking sessions, quizzing them about their careers, before creating career profiles based on what they had learned.
Unity schools conference 2025
The interactive sessions ended with prizes for the best micropipetting masterpiece, the best scientist selfie, the best career profile, the best poster introducing a scientist, and the best essay to showcase their learning.
Creating a lasting impact
After the conference, over 89% of students reported that their visit to the Wellcome Sanger Institute had increased their interest in learning about genomics, and that they now have a better understanding of what a career in bioscience and genomics may involve.
“I enjoyed talking to the people that work here to get a real feel for what it’s like. I also loved looking in the labs and at all the cool machinery! This trip has really expanded my knowledge. Thank you!”
“I liked the Q&A section and the whole trip. It helped me understand more about science. The campus was very pretty and all the sessions were very engaging and caught my attention very much – one of my favourite trips”
“I enjoyed being able to engage with people with different careers within genomics as it is able to show that you don’t need one set of qualifications, but varied.”
“10/10, no notes“
Just some examples of the glowing feedback we received from the students.
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It’s brilliant to be able to showcase how the curriculum links to careers, and upskill students in genomics-related expertise to increase their confidence about working in the field, and to develop positive student attitudes about science being ‘for them’.
Karen Stephens, our Science Engagement Manager, who took a lead role in organising the event, shared.
Discover our schools engagement programme
The schools conference is just one of the events that Wellcome Connecting Science offers as part of our schools programme. We also provide a range of online and in-person work experience opportunities, resources and teacher CPD, school visits to the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and much more.
If you’d like to be the first to hear about any upcoming opportunities for schools and young people, you can sign up to our schools and learning newsletter. If you’d like to get in touch to discuss our programme, please email us.