Enhancing Science Education
AstraZeneca encourages its employees to volunteer as part of the national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Ambassador Programme. This programme, managed by the Government-funded organisation, STEMNET, enhances the delivery of STEM subjects in line with the National Curriculum and is in-line with AstraZeneca’s community objective to improve science education.
AstraZeneca has over 120 STEM Ambassadors who support schools and sixth-form colleges in areas close to its key sites (Alderley Park, Avlon, Brixham, Charnwood and Macclesfield).
In 2009, AstraZeneca employees committed over 450 working hours to local schools and colleges. Activities included delivering primary level interactive science sessions covering curriculum based subjects such as: solids, liquids and gases; acids and alkali; solutions and dissolving solids; properties of materials; germs and disease. Additionally, AstraZeneca supports secondary schools and A-level pupils through careers talks focused on careers in the pharmaceutical industry, and by supervising work experience placements.