Lab with formula to improve diversity in science

A pharmaceutical company has hosted more than 60 paid interns since opening its purpose-built lab in 2021, in an attempt to improve diversity in the science sector.

Vertex, based at Milton Park near Didcot, hired 15 students this summer from local schools, to work at its Learning Lab.

A 2023 report into diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) highlighted the need for better representation in the subjects.

In response, the government agreed "significant progress must still be made" and said it would continue to "take action to address these issues".

As well as group learning, each student was paired with a Vertex employee and worked alongside them on active projects.

Head of their Oxford Learning Lab, Roberts Zivtins, said the summer internships were targeted at people "under-represented in the scientific community" and teachers in local schools helped identify students who will "make the most of the opportunities".

Vidula from Didcot Sixth Form said it had been "really wonderful".

"We got to see actual science in-person, rather than just what we learn in textbooks from school - it's a really fun and enjoyable experience."

Fajr said it had been "a fantastic experience".

"Seeing everything being put into practice here is wonderful," she said.

Mia, a sixth form student at The Bicester School, said: "It's such a great opportunity to be in a work environment, doing things instead of just sitting at a desk, writing things down, listening to a teacher."

Mr Zivtins underlined the importance of paying the interns.

"We are aware that they may come from backgrounds or families that would require them to work over the summer holidays to supplement their income," he said.

"We provide breakfast and lunches and also bus passes so there are no barriers to taking part in this programme."

Head of research at the lab, David Price, said: "The energy the students bring is fantastic.

"In the longer term we want to build a community of great scientists in the local area who may eventually become part of our Vertex community."