As part of HSL’s ongoing commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists, last month a group of Biomedical Sciences MSc students from Westminster University were invited for a guided tour of the Halo. Led by David Ricketts, Head of HSL Laboratory Process Improvement, who also teaches on the course, the students followed the sample pathway across all floors of HSL’s state-of-the-art laboratory.

“The students found it very useful to see the practical application of the theory they’re learning in the classroom,” says David. “We visited all departments within the Halo to give the students a better sense of how a sample progresses through the building, and what we do to mitigate error and produce a high quality result. Understanding the practicalities of how a laboratory works highlights the complexity of what we do, which can sometimes be lost in a purely academic setting.”

The feedback from students has been very positive:

“Amazing laboratory. Thought the track system was brilliant. Automated add-on system is fantastic.”

“Very interesting tour. It gave me an insight into a world class laboratory.”

“Great tour. Glad we have this setting within the UK. Keep up the good work.”

David is committed to continuing the Halo tour for Westminster MSc students in the coming years. “Education and training are key priorities for everyone here at HSL,” he says. “These students are the future of biomedical science. It’s therefore vital that we engage with their education and give them the skills, knowledge and experience they need to become top-quality scientists.”