Pupils at Sir Roger Manwood’s School in Sandwich were given a taste of scientific research when they visited AlgaeCytes Ltd.

The tenant at Discovery Park welcomed pupils as part of a project supported by the Royal Society Partnership and organised by biology teacher Jackie Wilson and Dr John Dodd from AlgaeCytes.

They carried out a range of microbiology research techniques which are usually taught at university level.

Dr Dodd, head of innovation and co-founder of AlgaeCytes, said: “The students have gained valuable experience of working in science in an enterprising company situation as well as in a lab at school, so they might think now about taking up a career in science after they leave university.”

The pupils were able to study how one strain of microalgae behaved under different environmental conditions.

They carried out the project at school after an introductory week in AlgaeCytes’s own research base.

Then delivered a final presentation to demonstrate their findings at Discovery Park.

Mrs Wilson said: “The students have worked so hard on the project since November and they have all been dedicated and enthusiastic throughout. It’s great that they have experienced some of the aspects of doing scientific research as well as how it can be applied to business.”

Pupil Georgia Green, who has previously enjoyed work experience at Pfizer, said: “It’s been really helpful to see what a career in research would actually be like and to see the practical skills of working in a team.”