Biogen Idec, a global biotechnology leader with products and capabilities in oncology, neurology and immunology, has announced the official opening of the community lab at the company's San Diego campus. The laboratory, a 1,300-square-foot classroom equipped with the latest science equipment, is dedicated for use by the teachers and students of San Diego County.

The community lab offers three programmes to 7th grade students and various teachers from within San Diego County at no cost to the schools. Throughout the academic year of 2005-'06, 7th graders and their teachers participate in weekly classes. During these all-day classes, students and teachers work side-by-side with Biogen Idec scientists, conducting laboratory procedures such as analyzing mock patient samples and conducting DNA testing.

Biogen Idec worked with the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego City Schools, lead science teachers, and the San Diego Science Alliance to develop programs and a curriculum that align with and support the state's science standards. All 7th graders in San Diego County follow a science education curriculum focused on the life sciences.

"With the Biogen Idec community laboratory programme we hope to foster scientific curiosity and awareness in young people while forging a strong partnership with local communities," said James C. Mullen, CEO, Biogen. "By opening our doors, we can share our passion for transforming discovery into advances in healthcare with our neighbors."

The programmes include:
Weekly classes for 7th grade life science students: The hands-on, inquiry-based experiences are aligned with California's science standards, helping students make connections between the standards-based curriculum and real-world applications. Several different lab experiences are available, and all enable students to use modern scientific equipment and learn about the science behind drug discovery.

Summer institute for 7th grade life science teachers: These classes enrich the 7th grade programme by providing orientation and prerequisite training for educators planning to bring their classes to the community lab during the academic year.

Life sciences summer institute for high school science teachers: Through funding from the president's high growth jobs training initiative under the department of Labour, the community lab hosts high school science teachers, in collaboration with the San Diego Workforce Partnership and BIOCOM. As part of this effort, teachers have the opportunity to experience the biotechnology industry firsthand and fine-tune their skills to become more effective in the classroom.

San Diego county superintendent of schools, Dr Rudy Castruita, said: "The Biogen Idec community laboratory is a fantastic resource for San Diego county science students and teachers. Not only are the students getting an unprecedented introduction to a state-of-the-art biotech lab, but their teachers received an outstanding, in-depth training in advance of their students' visit.