As part of Science Oxford’s STEM Insight Week, secondary school students recently toured Fortescue Zero and LGC’s The Native Antigen Company at Oxford Technology Park (OTP). These hands-on visits offered students a unique look into the possibilities of STEM careers, fueling their curiosity and excitement about futures in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Science Oxford’s STEM Insight Weeks are a key component of their Secondary School Programme, introducing students across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire to diverse STEM career opportunities and equipping them with valuable workplace skills. The programme, run during half-term breaks, includes hands-on workshops and visits to local STEM employers, inspiring Year 10 and 11 students to explore science and technology-based career paths.
Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education and Engagement at Science Oxford, said:
“Visiting Oxford Technology Park during the Science Oxford STEM Insight week was an inspiring experience. Seeing real-world applications in science first-hand is invaluable for secondary students, offering them a true understanding of what a STEM career may involve. Visits like this also highlight the wealth of opportunities available in the Oxfordshire area, giving students an incentive to pursue STEM subjects at school and into higher education. We would like to thank Oxford Technology Park for their contribution to our STEM Insight Week.”
The day began with a talk and a tour of LGC’s The Native Antigen Company, a leading provider of high-quality antigens and antibodies for infectious disease research and diagnostics. Dr. Holger Hannemann, Director of Research and Development, introduced the students to the crucial work of producing proteins for diagnostic assays and vaccine development. He explained the role of antigens in the immune response, highlighting how The Native Antigen Company manufactures both native and recombinant antigens for disease detection and research applications.
The lab tour continued with Production Team Member Samantha Mathieson and R&D Scientist Toni Ertl, who guided students through microbiology, cell culture, and purification laboratories. They demonstrated the processes involved in antigen production, explaining the cutting-edge techniques used to ensure product purity and functionality. The tour concluded with a Q&A session, where they learned about different career paths within the biotech industry.
At Fortescue Zero, students continued their journey into STEM with a tour of the company’s Technical Innovation Center at OTP. The students explored areas where Fortescue Zero designs and manufactures high-performance batteries, learning about the testing and production processes behind zero-emission powertrains and prototype battery systems, as well as learning about the various career paths within the company.
Ian Harris, Director of Asset Management at Ironstone Asset Management, the Investment Advisor to Life Science REIT and owners of OTP, said: “We were delighted to welcome Science Oxford to OTP where the breadth of our occupiers effectively showcases just how diverse a career in life sciences can be. Hands-on experiences like this can be instrumental in getting young people into science – something we feel passionate about so we would like to thank LGC’s The Native Antigen Company and Fortescue Zero for their support.”
OTP serves as a thriving hub for innovation and growth in Oxfordshire’s science and technology sector. Through partnerships with educational initiatives and companies in the sector, the park is committed to supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
For more information about Science Oxford visit: scienceoxford.com
For more information about Oxford Technology Park visit: oxfordtechnologypark.co.uk
To become apart of the OTP community and for more information view the available space page: Oxford Technology Park.
To book a viewing, contact the Agents: Duncan May, Bidwells – M: 07879 883886, [email protected] and Christian Vecchione, Benedicts – 01865 883364, [email protected].
