Science programmes accompany new Amgen facility

Biotechnology company Amgen, which yesterday unveiled its €260m facility in Dún Laoghaire, has launched two science education courses aimed at reaching more than 53,000 students and hundreds of teachers.

Amgen and its philanthropic arm announced Amgen Teach and Amgen Biotech Experience, which aim to equip secondary school teachers with the skills to increase students’ literacy and interest in scientific careers, over a three-year period.

Training will be available free and emphasise hands-on, enquiry-based learning.

Additionally, the Amgen Biotech Experience provides molecular biology resources and research grade lab equipment, available on loan to participating schools.

Amgen Teach will be delivered by the Professional Development Service for Teachers while the biotech programme is going to be co-ordinated by University College Dublin and Dublin City University.

This year’s five participants in the Amgen Foundation programme, which provides undergraduates with summer research experience at world-class third-level colleges and universities, were also announced with three Dublin students and one each from Cork and Kildare.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton was on hand yesterday to open the company’s new facility which includes an 11,500sq m production plant; a 5,800 sq m cold chain warehouse, and the refurbishment of existing buildings.

Some 340 employees are based at the former Pfizer building.