On Monday morning, 9 scholars from Middle 5 were invited to visit the John Innes Centre (JIC) at Norwich Research Park for a tour as well as lectures on molecular biology and horticultural research. Students were highly engaged in a talk from a PhD student about computational biology, probability and the transport of RNA molecules through a plant, being able to grasp and discuss complex topics such as gene editing at a high academic level.

The scholars were also given a tour of the impressive facilities at the JIC, including specimen freezers, electron transmission microscopes, and vast greenhouses containing genetically modified crops. Our host, James, provided an insightful historiographical and scientific perspective on all aspects of the JIC and the research being conducted there, leaving students feeling inspired about the future of horticulture and related career pathways.