UCB welcomes 40 Thames Valley students to UK research hub for 14th annual Work in Science Week programme

• 40 students keen on starting STEM careers participated in an intensive, hands-on work experience week at UCB’s laboratories in Slough 
• UCB scientists worked alongside the students on activities including practical chemistry and biology, computer aided drug design, statistics, sustainability and the environment
• UCB partnered with Upskill Me, part of Group GTI, to reach young people from local Thames Valley schools and colleges

Slough, UK – 20 July 2026 UCB UK & Ireland welcomed 40 students aged 16-17 to its state-of-the-art laboratories in Slough last week (14-17 July) to experience some of the career opportunities available in the life sciences sector, as part of its 14th annual Work in Science Week programme. 

The students were invited from schools and colleges across the Thames Valley by Upskill Me to enable often underrepresented, talented students with an interest in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to get first-hand experience of working in a laboratory and pharmaceuticals. 

The students participated in practical sessions exploring hands-on biology and chemistry, as well as drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), bioprocesses and drug discovery technologies such as computer aided drug design (CADD) and virtual reality to understand how medicines are researched and developed. They also investigate sustainability and the environment to understand the importance of ethical business practice. 

Work in Science Week is four days of activities at UCB’s UK research and development hub in Slough where, working side-by-side with UCB staff, students take part in thought-provoking activities to find out how an innovative medicine gets from the laboratory to the patient. 

Throughout the week the students also focus on building confidence and developing time management, problem solving, planning, presentation and team building skills and learning about the careers that are on offer when you have a science qualification or through the apprenticeship scheme. 

Dr Kirsty Kelham, Senior Scientist UCB and organiser of Work in Science Week, said: “At UCB, we are passionate about promoting the exciting career opportunities available to young people in the life sciences sector. Inviting students to our research facilities is an important part of that process. We have organised Work in Science Week for 14 years and have already seen several former participants take careers in the industry, with at least one joining UCB as an apprentice. As a scientist it is hugely inspiring to see such passion about working in science from the participating students.” 

Claire Broomby, Head of Programmes at Upskill Me, added: “This is the fourth year we have partnered with UCB on Work in Science Week and every year we are impressed with the dedication of the UCB team to give the students a real taste of what it’s like working in the pharmaceutical industry. The young people are enthralled from the beginning of the week right through to the end with the range of interactive games and activities that expose them to what a STEM career could involve and what their future career could be. It is especially important that we are able to offer underrepresented young people opportunities like this to support them in reaching their full potential.” 

Programmes such as Work in Science Week are part of UCB’s commitment to supporting the UK’s life sciences sector with an inclusive and thriving workforce that continues to bring innovative medicines discovered in the UK to patients globally. 

What is Work in Science Week? 

Work in Science Week (WISW) is UCB's flagship STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) engagement programme in the UK, in partnership with UpskillMe. Running since 2012, the initiative introduces secondary school and college students studying science subjects in their A-levels to careers in pharmaceutical research and development through practical experience. Working side-by-side with UCB staff, students take part in thought-provoking activities to find out how an innovative medicine gets from the laboratory to the patient. 

The programme supports UCB's wider commitment to developing future scientific talent and strengthening the UK's life sciences workforce. 

Who can participate in Work in Science Week? 

The programme is designed for school or college students across the UK, with an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). 

Where does Work in Science Week take place? 

The programme takes place at UCB's research and development campus in Slough, Berkshire, one of UCB's three global R&D hubs. 

What careers are showcased during the programme? 

Students learn about careers in biology, chemistry, data and statistics, drug discovery, bioprocessing, sustainability, pharmaceutical research and apprenticeships.

To hear more about our Work in Science Week activities throughout the years, visit our YouTube channel's dedicated playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbTpDkia6JnhGb9f6bDLwYcDy0hWekYu7&si=0Hht1MLWNfUBnxQe