They toured Fortescue Zero and The Native Antigen Company, which provides antigens and antibodies for infectious disease research, during Science Oxford’s STEM Insight Week.

The visits were part of Science Oxford’s initiative to inspire Year 10 and 11 students to explore science and technology-based career paths.

Secondary school students during their STEM Insight Week visit to Oxford Technology Park (Image: Oxford Technology Park) Francesca MacLennan, director of science education and engagement at Science Oxford, said: “Visiting Oxford Technology Park during the Science Oxford STEM Insight week was an inspiring experience.

“Seeing real-world applications in science first-hand is invaluable for secondary students, offering them a true understanding of what a STEM career may involve.

“Visits like this also highlight the wealth of opportunities available in the Oxfordshire area, giving students an incentive to pursue STEM subjects at school and into higher education.”

Secondary school students during their STEM Insight Week visit to Oxford Technology Park (Image: Oxford Technology Park) The students began their day with a tour of The Native Antigen Company, where they were introduced to the process of producing proteins for vaccine development.

The tour continued with a visit to the microbiology, cell culture, and purification laboratories, where they learned about the processes involved in antigen production.

This was followed by a tour of Fortescue Zero’s Technical Innovation Centre, which taught them about the testing and production processes behind zero-emission powertrains and prototype battery systems.