An inspiring afternoon in the company of Professor Lord Robert Winston who joined students at Shrewsbury High School for their World Book Day and Careers Week celebrations.
As a pioneer in the field of IVF and a recognisable face in the world of Science, Medicine, Politics and Media for over 50 years, it was a huge honour for Shrewsbury High School to welcome Professor Lord Robert Winston to Shrewsbury to speak to, and hear from, students at the school.
Visiting on World Book Day, during Careers Week, and ahead of British Science Week, there really wasn’t a better time for Professor Winston to join the school. He began his visit by sitting down for an informal lunch with a group of senior students to discuss subjects ranging from medical ethics to women in science, before presenting an interactive session on the wonders of Science to junior pupils from years 3-6 and challenging the children on their knowledge of internal organs and DNA! His visit culminated with a lecture to Senior pupils and staff from years 7-13, sharing his expertise and passion for medical collaboration and research and answering questions from the student audience.
The visit stemmed from a brief conversation between the Labour Peer and Year 10 SHS student Madeleine at last summer’s Hay Festival. Seizing her moment, Madeleine asked whether he might be able to come and speak at her school and was delighted to receive a very enthusiastic “Of course!”.
Shrewsbury High School’s Head Darren Payne, led the Q&A with Professor Winston at the end of his talk and was delighted to welcome him to the school, “Professor Winston’s work in reproductive medicine and in bringing science to the public has been vital for many decades. He was extremely generous with his time, sharing his passion for, and knowledge of, scientific discovery with students across the school. This was a memorable afternoon for our whole community and a fitting highlight of Careers Week”.
Lord Winston is Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London. Signing a book for the school’s library, he wrote to the students: “Keep trying, have good values, ask questions and realise we don’t understand much!”
Thank you to My Shrewsbury for joining us and for letting us use some of their photographs.
