A STUDENT from Priestley College spent two weeks conducting scientific research with professionals in a laboratory.

Maeve Lacey, who studies A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Maths, took part in a prestigious Nuffield Placement at Manchester University.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said. “To see how professionals work in that kind of environment will be so useful for me in future.”

Each year around 1,000 sixth form students are awarded a Nuffield Placement, which aims to place them with professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

It gives them engaging, hands-on research projects and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the work of the host organisation.

For Maeve the investigation was into how to increase the rate of a proposed esterification reaction – the process by which an organic acid and an alcohol are combined.

Esterification is one of the most essential reactions in both organic synthesis and the chemical industry. Esters are used as important building blocks for the synthesis of bulk and commodity chemicals having wide applications in pharmaceuticals, polymers, solvents and fragrances.

“It was fascinating to not only learn about the way research is conducted, but also about the process itself,” said Maeve, a former pupil at Culcheth High.

“As well as being involved in the research I also had to create an academic poster to share my conclusions. I have to thank you Alex Betts and Alex Clarke who are the PhD chemists who allowed me to join them in their research projects.”