Biosciences team's reuse scheme benefits local schools

A team from the Biosciences department have so far donated 100 microscopes to 19 schools in Exeter and the surrounding area. University laboratory technicians, Amber Baker and Gemma Pritchard, suggested the scheme when they saw that the microscopes were no longer needed. The microscopes were originally used in the University’s Biosciences laboratories in the 1970s. Although they are still in good working order, the University has recently replaced them with newer models that are better suited to the molecular work its students now carry out. Amber Baker, said: “Although the microscopes are no longer suitable for the kind of research our students carry out, we are delighted that they have been given a new lease of life. It is great to know that they are now helping to inspire a new generation of local scientists.”

Mr King, Science Technician at St Luke’s Science and Sports College, one of the schools to receive the microscopes, said: “We are very grateful for the generosity of the University with these microscopes, since budget constraints would normally preclude our having equipment of this quality. These are beautifully engineered high resolution instruments.”

The University is committed to minimising the amount of waste it generates and to reusing materials wherever possible. The University aims to reduce the amount of waste generated by one per cent every year.