News
10-Oct-2006 - LGC marks 10th anniversary with Teddington open
evening
LGC promotes awareness in DNA and forensic sciences as it opens
its laboratories to schools and local residents in Teddington
Students and residents in Teddington got the opportunity to find
out more about how analytical and forensic scientists analyse
samples and exhibits in the laboratory. This came on the platform
of Europe’s leading independent analytical laboratory, LGC, opening
its gates on Thursday, 5 October 2006, for an evening of guided
laboratory tours, exhibitions and presentations. The open evening
marks the 10th anniversary of LGC becoming a private company and
attracted over 300 local residents and students from six schools
around Teddington. The event was aimed, amongst other objectives,
at informing local residents and students about the functions and
activities of LGC’s laboratories on their doorstep.
Guests were taken on guided tours of the laboratories with
scientists on the ground to explain various measurement processes
as well as answer questions. For instance, guests were shown how
levels of pesticides in food are determined and monitored according
to government guidelines.
In one of many short presentations, LGC’s director of life
sciences, Dr Paul Debenham, talked about new genetic testing
services for psychiatric medicine, while Helene Jones, Manager of
LGC’s BSE testing operations, showed how BSE tests are carried out
to detect incidences of ‘Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy’ which is
more commonly referred to as ‘Mad Cow Disease’.
LGC Forensics drugs team showed guests, using case studies, how
LGC’s work for the police helps to tackle drug crime in the UK,
while LGC Forensics Digital Crime Unit made a presentation on how
analyses are carried out on mobile phones and computers in many
criminal investigations.
This year’s open evening was the fourth time in six years that
LGC had hosted locals and students in its Teddington laboratories.
The previous occasions were in 2001, 2002 and 2004 and were all
highly popular. LGC’s Chief Executive, Dr Nigel Law, said: "As
one of Teddington’s largest employers, we are encouraged by the
thriving relationship we are establishing with schools, colleges
and our local community. Our open evening is one of the many ways
through which we build this relationship."
Notes to Editors