Applied Science and A Level Biology students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a Biology conference at Teesside University. Students attended a range of fascinating academic lectures from university experts, including talks on present and future biotechnology research in the region, invasive species and the parasites and pathogens they bring with them, and the problems of ‘fake news’ in modern science and healthcare reporting. Students also took part in a captivating workshop in the centre’s laboratories, identifying bacteria using differential staining and microscopy techniques. Nick Blackwood, Head of Biology comments, “The conference was a great opportunity for students to find out more about the research that goes on in the region, as well as the university and job opportunities that are available for them around Teesside. It was also lovely to have access to researchers and academics, and find out more about their work first hand.”