Sixteen of East Kent’s top young science students have been working with leading Pfizer scientists to solve a series of scientific challenges during Pfizer’s 11th annual Biology Project Week.

Pfizer hosted the event at Canterbury Christ Church University where the students took part in a seven-day residential course, and were given the opportunity to gain an insight into the processes of scientific research in the university laboratories.

The 16 students worked in pairs on a selection of scientific projects set by Pfizer researchers to test their skills and knowledge, and to encourage and broaden their science learning.

The A-level science students from schools in Thanet, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Faversham and Sandwich were chosen from more than 31 applications from sixth-formers across East Kent. As part of the event they were also invited to visit the Pfizer research laboratories at Sandwich and attend seminars given by world-class Pfizer scientists

Anastasia Bow-Betrand, of Simon Langton Girls Grammar School, Canterbury, and Emily Baldwin, of Dane Court Grammar School, Broadstairs, were awarded book tokens valued at £200 for their projects. Anastasia investigated the pharmacology of pain and Emily researched the purification of proteins for vaccines.

Christopher Burnap, of Sir Roger Manwood’s School, Sandwich, and Emily Farbrace, of Dover Grammar School for Girls, were both awarded student placements at the Pfizer research and development laboratories for 2009. Emily studied quantitative pharmacology and Christopher also researched the purification of proteins for vaccines.

Other biology projects included examining the clotting mechanism of blood, genetically engineering E.coli, measuring the effects of steroids, and assessing the kinetics of the enzyme thrombin.

Jim Loftus, Research Recruitment Manager for Pfizer and organizer of the event, said: “The standard of the work this year was excellent. The projects were very challenging and required a great deal of hard work and deep thinking.

“I hope everyone taking part gained a good insight into the work undertaken in research laboratories and this will inspire them to study science at university and pursue scientific careers.”