The Darwin Centre for Biology and Medicine is a Pembrokeshire charity established in 1994. It aims to engage and enthuse young people, families and communities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The natural beauty of the Milford Haven Waterway has yet again inspired a generation of students to engage with science. Bioluminescence and fluorescence in marine organisms found in the estuary was the focus for the ‘Discovering Living Light’ project which saw an incredible 300 students go through some 44 workshops. A-level students from eight different Pembrokeshire schools as well as Pembrokeshire College, Cardiff High School and Clifton College Bristol took part in the project, which ran between 2015 and 2018.
Science was literally brought to life for the students as their knowledge was applied in a practical environment.
Funded by the Wellcome Trust, and carried out by the Darwin Centre, the Discovering Living Light project set out to inspire and excite students about science by harnessing the natural marine life right on the students’ door steps at Milford Haven. The project introduced the students to examples of local marine and terrestrial bioluminescent organisms and the workshops raised awareness of the medical applications of fluorescence and bioluminescence. This had an incredible impact on the participants and inspired many to continue their own research projects, or utilise the knowledge they had learned in their studies. Many of the students who partook in the project went on to higher education, citing the fantastic experience they had during the project in their personal statements.
Dr Valerie Morse from The Darwin Centre for Biology and Medicine led the project from Darwin’s Milford Haven research lab, in Cedar Court. Discussing the project, Valerie Morse said: “It was great seeing the student’s faces light up when they saw the organisms moving under the microscope. Working in the living environment, as we did, truly made the whole learning experience more fun and engaging. I have loved science my whole life, and sharing that passion and knowledge with the local community was as fantastic as the project itself. Nothing quite captures the minds of students like glowing organisms that they can find on their doorstep!”
To complete the project pupils who had taken part in the study were encouraged to come to the Port of Milford Haven and give presentations on their findings. They were congratulated by a number of local dignitaries as well as Professor Anthony Campbell from the Weston Court Science Centre. Prof Campbell is the scientific Director of the Darwin Centre for Biology and Medicine.
Dr Valerie Morse recently presented details of the project at the “international symposium on bioluminescence and fluorescence” in Nantes France, which was attended by over 125 international scientists.
Discovering Living Light truly encompassed the potential for areas such as the Milford Haven Waterway to inspire students to engage with STEM subjects and the Port of Milford Haven was proud to have played its part in facilitating it.
To learn more about the Darwin Centre go to: http://darwincentre.com/.