Welcome to the
Amgen Biotech Experience – United Kingdom
Scientific Discovery for the Classroom
The Amgen Biotechnology Experience (ABE) is a global initiative, designed to support teachers and technicians to enrich and extend biology learning and teaching, particularly for students ages 14–18, through the experience and excitement of real-world bioscience.
In the UK, the programme is coordinated by the Teacher Scientist Network (TSN) through a network of regional hubs, providing training, equipment and ongoing support to secondary schools and colleges. ABE UK aims to empower every student, regardless of background, to see science as relevant, attainable and connected to future study and careers.
What is ABE?
ABE supports teachers and technicians to confidently introduce real-world biotechnology techniques into their teaching.
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.
How it works
- Train - Teachers and technicians attend CPD sessions to build skills in biotechnology techniques, equipment use and classroom delivery.
- Access - Schools and colleges borrow research-grade equipment and consumables through one of five regional hubs ( Cambridge, Hatfield, Hull, Kent, and Norwich).
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.
To learn more about ABE United Kingdom and for dates of upcoming CPDs, please visit our local website.
- We also invite you to visit the ABE Program Office site for more general information about the whole ABE program.