Amgen commits $2.5 million to biotech educational grants
pharmafile | November 12, 2013 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | Amgen, EDC, Onyx, biotech, stem
The Amgen Foundation has announced $2.5 million in new grants for its science programme to aid schools in the US and UK.
The aim of its ‘Biotech Experience’ education plan is to provide a real-world biotech lab experience to middle and high school communities.
Robert Bradway, chairman and chief executive at Amgen said: “By providing cutting-edge scientific experience today, students can begin to develop capabilities to make a powerful impact on society tomorrow.
“The Amgen Biotech Experience, designed in collaboration with educators and Amgen scientists, provides a rigorous real-world experience that helps open students’ eyes to the world of biotechnology and scientific discovery.”
Amgen, the largest biotech company in the world, is not averse to spreading its wealth as seen in August with the purchase of cancer drugs specialist Onyx for $10.4 billion.
Global non-profit organisation the Education Development Center (EDC) has been called in to oversee this programme’s implementation and facilitate development.
“EDC has a 50-year history of sharing the excitement of science learning with teachers and students,” said Luther Luedtke, its president and chief executive. “We are pleased to work alongside the Amgen Foundation to continue to make science compelling in the classroom and to encourage students to take up science-related careers.”
The Amgen Foundation says it has donated more than $200 million in grants to non-profit organisations throughout the US, Puerto Rico and Europe, and those that provide disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally.
The EDC will build on the assets of the programme and implement strategies such as the introduction of a new strengthened curriculum for this school year.
Amgen says it also supports numerous national and international organisations that strive to strengthen STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education and inspire students to pursue careers in science.
Brett Wells
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