In2STEM at the Biobank: Science, Slides and a Scavenger Hunt

We welcomed five students from the 2026 In2STEM programme to the KHP Cancer Biobank for a very hands-on introduction to cancer research. 

And when I say hands-on, I mean it. Rather than observing from the side-lines, the group got stuck into some of the techniques we use in the Biobank every day. They had a go at microtomy, cutting their own tissue sections onto slides, got up close with our slide scanning technology, and even had a go at pipetting to help them understand how we create Tissue Microarrays (TMAs). 

Once they had finished with their comprehensive Biobank tour, it was time to take the learning outside of the lab with a scavenger hunt. The questions tested what they had learnt during the tour, so there was a little bit of science revision disguised as an afternoon of exploring. 

It was very satisfying to see five young people be passionate about the science, learn about the techniques and then actually having a go themselves.  

The best way to understand what happens in a lab is to put on a pair of gloves and give it a go.