Students from St John’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College are continuing their involvement in an innovative tuberculosis (TB) drug discovery project alongside researchers from Durham University and Newcastle University.
Year 12 Chemistry students have been using advanced computer-aided design techniques to create potential drug molecules and investigate how effectively they interact with proteins linked to tuberculosis. As part of the project, students have also visited Durham University’s Chemistry laboratories, where they synthesised their designs and prepared them for further scientific analysis.
The project builds on a highly successful research initiative that has already seen St John’s students make valuable contributions to real-world scientific investigations. Supported by The Royal Society of Chemistry and the tuberculosis research team, the programme gives students the opportunity to experience genuine scientific research and apply many of the same techniques used by professional scientists.
This year’s students are building on discoveries made by previous cohorts, exploring how the size and shape of small molecules can improve the effectiveness of existing anti-tuberculosis treatments. Using their findings, they are designing and testing new compounds that could help enhance current drug therapies and contribute to ongoing research in the fight against tuberculosis.
The project provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with university-level research while developing valuable skills in chemistry, problem-solving and drug discovery. It also offers an insight into future careers in science and medicine, demonstrating how learning in the classroom can connect directly to cutting-edge scientific research.
Through opportunities such as this, St John’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College is committed to providing exceptional experiences that challenge and inspire students, enabling them to work alongside experts, explore advanced scientific concepts and develop the knowledge and skills needed for future success in higher education and beyond.