The Programme
Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) is an innovative science education programme that empowers teachers to bring biotechnology into their classrooms. ABE-Ireland offers training in molecular biology experiments for secondary school teachers at locations in University College Dublin, Dublin City University, Laois Education Centre and Monaghan Education Centre.
Teachers who take part in the training have access to professional grade scientific equipment and curriculum-linked teaching materials to teach these experiments to their students in school during the academic year. The ABE programme is tailored to the Irish syllabus. There is no charge for teachers to attend training workshops or to borrow the equipment and consumables needed to carry out experiments. ABE Ireland staff provide support to teachers during the loan period.
The programme’s appeal and impact worldwide have been extraordinary, with more than 60,000 students and hundreds of teachers from the U.S, Puerto Rico, U.K and now Ireland participating annually and conducting real-world experiments in the classroom.
This is an excellent initiative that will strengthen our links with schools in the community and bring cutting-edge Irish research to classrooms. Importantly, it opens the eyes of pupils to career possibilities involving molecular biology such as the biotechnology industry that they may not have been aware of or considered previously
- Professor Walter Kolch, Director, Systems Biology Ireland
Facilitators
Systems Biology Ireland was established in 2009 as a Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET). It is fast becoming one of Europe’s leading centres for excellence in systems biology research. SBI focuses on finding out biological signalling networks work within the body so as to design new therapeutic approaches to cancer, degenerative and inflammatory diseases. SBI draws on expertise and technologies from disciplines including mathematics, computational modelling and bioinformatics.
Funder
The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next generation of innovators, and invest in strengthening communities where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $200 million in grants to local, regional and international nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. Amgen Biotech Experience is an international program funded by the Amgen Foundation with direction and technical assistance provided by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC)
Partner
The ABE programme is funded by the Amgen Foundation and ABE-Ireland has been endorsed by the Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA) and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST ). It is currently operating in the greater Dublin region. In the 2014/2015 academic year, 19 teachers and more than 900 students benefited from the ABE programme.
Partner
As of 2018, we have partnered with the JCT to bring Biotechnology to the Junior Cycle.
Collaborator
National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) is a world-class institute that provides training and research solutions for the bioprocessing industry. NIBRT supports the bioprocessing industry by providing a unique learning experience for trainees in an environment that replicates the most modern industrial bioprocessing facility. In parallel, NIBRT undertake leading edge research in key areas of bioprocessing in collaboration with industry.