Our Partnership with W5
Almac’s partnership with W5, an award-winning science, discovery, and education center based in Belfast, is an example of our commitment to invest in the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists. Our MED-LAB exhibit, launched in 2019, was recently updated with day-in-the-life videos, a new interactive quiz, memory game and a photo stand-in for children and their parents/guardians. This year over W5 had over 250,000 visitors.
Almac led a workshop on International Women in Engineering Day at W5 LIFE and supported the Association for Science Education Conference at W5. As part of Almac’s work experience program, 196 students gained valuable practical biology and chemistry skills, taught by Almac scientists, in the W5 laboratory. Almac partnered with W5 to design and deliver workshops in DNA Extraction and White Powder Analysis to attendees of their W5 Late CSI event, during the Northern Ireland Scientist Festival.
Science-in-a-Box
This year, Almac Group has sustained its strategic partnership with STEAM Education Limited, facilitating the ‘Science in a Box’ initiative for 10-11 year old students for the third year running. This curriculum-aligned program has been implemented in 46 primary schools across Northern Ireland, benefiting approximately 3,000 children with essential STEM teaching resources. Each school receives a comprehensive Science-in-a-Box package, including resource replenishment, a training webinar, and continuous support from Almac and STEAM Education Ltd. Furthermore, Almac STEM Ambassadors actively engage with participating schools through presentations and scientific demonstrations.
School visits
Almac is committed to fostering STEM education and career awareness through regular career outreach sessions hosted on–site for students and educators throughout the academic year. These sessions have garnered significant interest from both students and teachers, who are eager to promote key areas of the STEM curriculum and highlight career opportunities within our sector.
This year, our dedicated STEM Outreach team has expanded its efforts to include 11 scientist visits to primary schools, with on-site visits including five school visits, two QUB work shadow days, and collaborations with SistersIN (a Northern Ireland based charity who enable, empower and develop female pupils ) and Include Youth (a rights-based charity for children and young people in or leaving care, from disadvantaged communities or whose rights are not being met). Almac employees have actively participated in delivering presentations and attending career conventions at various schools to help facilitate our STEM activities.
Work Experience
Throughout 2024, Almac HQ in Craigavon welcomed pupils from across Northern Ireland for our work experience program. This initiative provides a fantastic, hands-on opportunity for young individuals interested in pursuing a career in STEM.
We hosted several three-day programs, achieving a 37% increase in pupil participation, with 274 pupils engaging in tours and practical workshops. These included a day at the Almac W5 laboratory in Belfast, interactions with industry professionals, and insights into the diverse and rewarding career paths available at Almac.
Feedback from participants is extremely positive, underscoring the program’s significant impact in aiding young people to make informed decisions about their future education. All pupils reported a better understanding of Almac’s operations and the potential career paths they could pursue within our organization.
