A-Level Chemistry Students from Goodwin Academy, Deal, make good use of the 'real-world' laboratory in Sandwich, Kent.

The 'Community Lab' is a collaboration between Canterbury Christ Church University and Discovery Park with support from a number of tenants on site, including Pfizer who is a lead supporter.

It provides schools in the surrounding areas of Sandwich, Kent with access to an industrial-standard laboratory and equipment that would not traditionally be available. Currently, sessions focus on BTEC/ A-level organic chemistry practical and analytical skills, with additional activities planned for the future. Sessions are supported by scientists from Canterbury Christ Church University, Pfizer, Discovery Park and their tenants.

To enquire about access to the lab please visit The STEM Hub website.

The initiative forms part of a wider selection of activities aimed at encouraging young people to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related subjects in further education.

The project started with the help of a grant from the Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund, and has also been successful in purchasing equipment. A bench-top Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer (used to investigate the properties of organic molecules) and small infrared spectrometer (used to identify materials including organic polymers) are amongst equipment that now resides within the Community Lab based at Discovery Park.

The collaboration provides an opportunity for Pfizer scientists, and other Discovery Park tenants, to pass on skills and knowledge to inspire the scientists of tomorrow.