Gene Therapy

In November 2007, twenty Year 11 Biology students were selected to attend the prestigious “Gene Therapy” event held at Birkbeck College, part of the University of London. Accompanied by Miss Ali and Miss Cousins, they joined some of London’s most able GCSE and A Level students to listen to lectures given by scientists at the forefront of Gene Therapy Research. Five lecturers explained their cutting edge research, explaing how their findings could improve medicine in the future. By altering the genetics of patients, the scientists hope to treat cystic fibrosis, cardiovascular disease and even alleviate some forms of cancer. Our students had an opportunity to ask the scientists questions and gain an insight about the way science and scientists work within society before being treated to a buffet lunch.

After lunch, two research scientists took our group of students on a tour of the Imperial College laboratories based in South Kensington. They were able to watch science in action by comparing healthy and diseased lung tissue, through high tech light microscopes. Our students also measured their own lung capacity by exhaling through a Spiro meter. The research scientists then led a discussion forum with our students about University life and the career opportunities in Science medicine. They emphasised that the long hours and repetitive nature of clinical trials were worth the excitement and job satisfaction of doing modern, ground breaking research which would dramatically improve patients’ lives.

Our students behaved impeccably and were a credit to the school. They expressed mature opinions, and were keen to discuss the scientific and ethical issues surrounding the world of genetics.