The next generation of scientists will today (Monday) get top quality advice from three leading lights in life sciences.
Around 100 pupils from Aberdeen City and Shire schools are descending on the University of Aberdeen this lunchtime for a Bioscience Careers event staged to coincide with National Science and Engineering Week (7-16 March).
The S4 to S6 pupils, biology teachers and guidance staff will hear from the trio who have established successful careers first in academia and later in industry. They all have first hand experience of founding and working for world beating Scottish biotechnology companies and large bio-pharmaceutical corporations.
The speakers are:
- Professor Andy Porter FRSE, Professor of Biotechnology and Deputy Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. Until recently Andy was also founder and Chief Scientific Officer of the University spin-out Haptogen Ltd, which was acquired last year by US pharmaceutical giant Wyeth. Professor Porter was the UK's science and technology entrepreneur of the year in 2005 and is also an adviser to the Scottish Government.
- Dr Deborah O'Neil, Chief Executive and Chief Scientific Officer of NovaBiotics Ltd which is a biotechnology company focused on the design, development and application of novel antibiotics capable of treating infectious diseases which have no effective or safe treatments. Novabiotics was Scottish biotech of the year in 2006.
- Dr Caroline Barelle, Head of Shark Antibody Development, Wyeth Research Scotland. Dr Barelle began her career with a BSc and then PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Aberdeen. She remained within the University for a number of years establishing herself as a leading authority on fungal infections of humans. In 2005 she joined Haptogen and took on her current role following the Wyeth acquisition.
Dr Andy Schofield, Senior Lecturer and Academic Co-ordinator Promoting Science at the University of Aberdeen, has helped co-ordinate the event. He said: "Our Bioscience Careers event is a tremendous opportunity for pupils and teachers to hear from three very successful scientists that have combined their passion for science with business. We are delighted to contribute to National Science and Engineering Week and hope that this event will encourage an appreciation for science among school children."
Professor Porter added: "I hope that the audience will discover that science is not about geeks in white coats but is exciting, fun and a rare opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives. They may also discover that you can maybe make a few quid along the way too!"
The Bioscience Careers event takes place today between 12.30pm and 2pm in the Auditorium at the University's Medical School at Foresterhill.
Pupils are attending from Kemnay, Meldrum, Peterhead Academies, Robert Gordon's College and St Margaret's School for Girls.