CAST student group outside the Gurdon Institute

CAST Microscopy Challenge

A collaboration between the Gurdon Institute, Zeiss and the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST).

A circuit set up using various microscope parts

What is the CAST Challenge?

CAST’s Challenge projects provide a unique opportunity for students to develop:

  • a practical understanding of science
  • practical science skills
  • curriculum teaching
  • transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership and literacy
  • enhanced careers awareness

Microscopy Challenge with Zeiss

Alex Sossick (Head of Microscopy) and Nicola Lawrence (Imaging Associate) organise and lead a nine-week collaborative project called the ‘Microscopy Challenge’ in partnership with Zeiss.

Activities vary from year to year but have included building and designing microscopes, tours of the Zeiss factory, workshops at the Gurdon Institute,  learning about different types of microscopes, and discussing career options in microscopy.

Student using a Lego microscope that they built as part of the CAST challenge