iiCON welcomes scientists of the future 

iiCON has been supporting the scientists of the future, welcoming sixth formers from the Liverpool City Region to nurture their passion for STEM by visiting world-class laboratories and taking part in a citizen science experiment. 

A group of 15 sixth form students from Cronton College in Widnes visited iiCON.  They had the chance to explore the laboratories at our lead partner Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine as part the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter’s Future Innovators Programme. 

Two weeks before their visit, each student was provided with three charcoal swabs and instructions on how to gather bacteria samples from household and school surfaces. The students then brought their swabs with them to be analysed on the day of the visit. 

As part of their visit, the students enjoyed a learning session about the Swab and Send programme run by Prof Adam Roberts. 

Swab and send is a citizen science project where members of the public collect environmental swabs from various locations and send them to a lab for analysis. The goal is to identify bacteria, particularly those that produce new antibiotics or exhibit antimicrobial properties, in an effort to combat antibiotic resistance. 

The students were then invited to take part in a practical session in the laboratory where they swabbed their own samples onto agar. After approximately eight weeks, the laboratory team received some results.  

The school was then sent a pack of result slides with explanations and Research Technician, Amber Cutcliffe, joined students and their teacher for a video call to explain the findings from their swabs and showcase all the ways in which the bacteria had grown and shown activity.  

Gemma Stephens, Head of Student Support for A Levels, Cronton Sixth Form College, said: “Our students are taking part in the High Achiever’s Programme at college and are keen to expand their super curricular experience. Some of the students are keen scientists and having the ability to take part in the lab work is a truly unique and inspiring experience for them.  

“One of our students who attended the year before was thrilled to be able to take part in this initiative and consequently wrote about her experience in her personal statement as part of her application for the University of Oxford. It’s very exciting that she has now been offered a place to study Chemistry next year. All of our students were truly impressed by their visit and had a unique and enriching experience.” 

Students commented:  

“I found the trip insightful and had a fantastic experience. The culturing we did in iiCON and the talk about combatting antibiotic resistance and the myths behind it was fascinating and so relevant to today’s society.” 

“I really enjoyed going to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and I found it really interesting learning about the work they do there.” 

“It was a brilliant event and I loved every second of it. It was great to hear from employees about their career journey and how they found themselves in the Knowledge Quarter.” 

“I now know different routes I can take within the field of science and how many opportunities are open to me in terms of my future career.” 

Prof Adam Roberts said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Cronton students – especially given their visit happened to coincide with Girls in Science Day!  

“Welcoming young people into our labs and giving them an insight into career paths in this field is so important – we want to ignite a passion for life sciences in the next generation. 

“The work our team does every day is helping to advance the development and discovery of new treatments that will help to save lives across the world. It’s great to show students the meaningful impact a career in this field can have.  

“Thanks to the students and staff at Cronton for visiting us and we look forward to welcoming future visits!”