The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leader in genome research that delivers insights into human, evolutionary and pathogen biology. Their research aims to change how the world thinks about biology and human health and further develop our understanding of how our genome affects health and research treatments for diseases such as cancer.  

Year 12 Attleborough A-Level Biology students, in collaboration with Biology students from Wymondham College, were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to visit the Institute to understand what the Institute does and how what they are learning in class has real-life applications and explore the variety of careers studying Biology can lead to.  

During the day, using their knowledge of the genome, students were given the task of using DNA sequencing methods to identify NHS ‘patients’ with mutations (changes in the DNA base sequence) that could be the cause of cancer. They were then treated to an engaging talk from one of the researchers at the Institute on ‘Organoids’; a lab-grown mass of cells or tissue that resembles an organ which can then be used to test the effectiveness of drugs. Finally, students were taken to a working cutting-edge lab to see first-hand how the latest technology is being used to sequence the genomes of organisms to develop our understanding of what makes us human and how it could lead to a world of personalised medicine in the future. Sequencing genomes or organisms which in the past would have taken years, can now be done in a matter of hours.  

Students found the day insightful and came away feeling that a career in biological research is something they would consider as an option. The Institute, as part of its public engagement offer, encourages applications from students to complete a work experience placement with them to gain experience what working in a research institute would be like. For more information on what the Institute does and work placement opportunities visit https://www.sanger.ac.uk/  

Finally, I would like to thank students for their keen participation, and particularly Agnes Jopkiewicz, who accompanied the students and myself on the trip.  

Glossary 

Genome - The complete set of genetic instructions required to build and maintain an organism. 

Pathogen – disease-causing viruses, bacteria, fungi or protists, which can infect animals and plants.  

Cancer - A common genetic disease caused by mutations in DNA and characterised by uncontrolled cell growth. 

DNA - (deoxyribonucleic acid) A molecule that carries the genetic information necessary to build and maintain an organism. 

Mutation - A change in the DNA sequence, which may have positive, negative or neutral effects on the organism. 

Mr Seymour