University launches bioscience showcase for British Science Week

To celebrate British Science Week (11 to 20 March), The University of Manchester is today launching  a special website of online resources developed by researchers, lecturers, staff and students.

Aimed at secondary school pupils from year 7 and above - and the public - the project has been created to showcase the research and teaching in biological and biomedical sciences at Manchester.

Featuring online videos, activities and exhibits, visitors to the site are able to take part in a range of activities including a virtual tour of the Firs Botanical Gardens which represent habitats from deserts to tropical forests.

They can learn how worms are used in the lab and how a living biobank for ovarian cancer is being developed at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. You can also view the research being carried out to develop Covid-19 vaccines using plants. 

Professor Matthew Cobb looks at fifty years of genetic engineering, a subject he covered for BBC Radio Four in a programme called Genetic dreams, genetic nightmares.

You can meet Dmitri, Manchester Museum’s very own Spider-Man and find out about animal research at the University, and how it contributes to globally important breakthroughs in medical science.

Insights are provided into visualising nerve regeneration, how to grow stem cells in the lab and how we can communicate health through the medium of comics with graphic medicine.

And Professor Dan Davis tells us about his new book the ‘Secret Body’ and startling new discoveries in human biology.

Organiser Dr Shazia Chaudhry said: “We’ve been working with staff and students from across the University with this celebration of the biosciences.

“It’s all about fostering enthusiasm, fun and discovery in science. We’re very proud of what we have achieved and hope it will encourage school children and the wider public to explore science. 

“You never know, these resources could inspire our scientists of the future!”