York St John University has secured £120,000 of STEM funding

The Biomedical Science programme is recruiting its first cohort of students for September 2015 and phase two of the laboratory build will be completed in the summer of 2015. This is an exciting development for the University and the Biomedical Science programme will broaden the portfolio offered by the University whilst complementing the existing Physiotherapy and Sports and Exercise Science programmes within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. This successful bid for STEM funding demonstrates the excellent planning and development of our new Biomedical Science programme during 2014/2015.

The government funding, aimed at supporting new developments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects has been developed to ensure that higher education providers are able to deliver science and technology based degree programmes that produce graduates with excellent employability skills. The STEM funding will be used at York St John University to purchase several pieces of equipment, including real time PCR and flow cytometer machines that will provide our students with opportunities to utilise this state of the art, high specification equipment. In addition, the equipment can be used for training of local practitioners as part of their CPD activity and to facilitate the research of the academic staff supporting the Biomedical Science programme.

HEFCE has recently confirmed that 73 universities and colleges in the UK will receive a share of £200 million funding for capital projects focused on infrastructure to support the teaching of students in STEM subjects during 2015/2016.

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor, said: "We have developed fantastic new laboratory facilities in our city centre campus for the Biomedical Science programme. This STEM funding will enhance our ability to provide a high quality learning environment. The latest experimental techniques will be at the forefront of our teaching, giving our students extensive practical and experiential learning opportunities."

Professor Alyson Tobin, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “This funding, in addition to the major investment by the university, will enable our students to learn laboratory skills in highly professional laboratory facilities that will equip them well for future employment as practising biomedical scientists and other laboratory careers.”

Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said: “I am particularly pleased to see successful projects across all parts of the country, and the degree to which institutions are focusing their investment to support their local economies and key industry partners.”

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “Inspiring young people to take up STEM courses is vital to the success of the UK economy. This investment will mean world-class teaching facilities to build tomorrow's skilled workforce. It's just one way we are ensuring the UK remains a world leader in science and research.”