What is ABE?

ABE supports teachers and technicians to confidently introduce real-world biotechnology techniques into their teaching. The ABE programme is international. Each year more than 90,000 students participate. The Teacher Scientist Network (TSN)  coordinates the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) UK programme. 

Based at the UK's Norwich hub, TSN is a highly respected, 30-year-old science education charity hosted by the John Innes Centre and led by Dr Phil Smith MBE. TSN and Phil have, since 2016, partnered closely with ABE and schools across the UK to deliver this impactful and exemplary programme that now reaches over 5,500 students a year nationally.

This fully-funded initiative is designed to inspire curiosity and enhance expertise in biotechnology for students aged 14–18. By participating, your school will benefit from free equipment loans and free training. Research shows that students participating in the ABE programme demonstrate increased interest, confidence, and performance in science and biotechnology.

Through a combination of professional development (CPD), kit loans and ongoing support, the programme enables students to experience techniques used by working scientists - such as PCR and gel electrophoresis. The UK hubs for professional development and kit loan are located in Cambridge, Hatfield, Hull, Norwich and Kent. While each hub primarily supports schools and colleges within its local region, participation is by no means limited by geography, with schools and colleges from across the UK engaging with the programme.

How it works

1. Train – Teachers and technicians attend CPD sessions to build skills in biotechnology techniques, equipment use and classroom delivery.
2. Access – Schools and colleges borrow research-grade equipment and consumables through one of five regional hubs (Cambridge, Hatfield, Hull, Kent, and Norwich).
3. Deliver – Trained teachers and technicians support students to carry out hands-on practicals in their own classrooms, exploring modern biotechnology in an engaging and accessible way.
    

How teachers and technicians benefit

• High quality CPD training
• Curriculum-aligned lesson materials
• Ongoing technical and teaching support
• Access to a professional learning community
   

How schools and colleges benefit

• Loan of research-grade biotechnology equipment with consumables
• Ready to use practical activities
• Flexible delivery to fit timetables and teaching needs
   

How students benefit

• Hands-on experience of real scientific techniques
• Exposure to modern biotechnology
• Increased confidence and engagement with STEM
   

Impact

ABE supports schools across the UK to bring biotechnology into the classroom at scale. Thousands of students take part in hands-on practicals each year. Schools and colleges deliver techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis in their own labs and classrooms. Students gain insight into real world science and potential STEM careers.