Aspiring Scientists Training Programme (ASTP)

Not just an ordinary work experience! The ASTP is designed to give A-level biology students a chance to experience what a career as a biologist entails, from bespoke workshops with experts in the sector, to networking opportunities with scientists and the chance to explore life at a world-renowned research university.

What do students have to say about ASTP?

We interviewed some of our past students who participated in the ASTP to get their thoughts and feedback about their experiences. This video captures what the programme meant to them and how it impacted their journey into higher education and academia.

 

Online applications for ASTP 2025 are now closed!

If you have already applied for the programme, a member of the team will contact you using the email address you provided by 1st May 2025 to let you know the outcome of your application.

 

Eligibility

This programme is for students in state (non-fee paying) schools, ages 16+ who are currently pursuing A-level/IB/Higher level (or equivalent) qualifications in biology, maths and either chemistry, physics or further maths, and who are interested in higher education or a career in science.

Please see the Guidance Document for full eligibility information.

Due to limited availability, please note that spaces will be competitive and completing an application form does not guarantee placement.
Selection Criteria

Details

For one week, students will:

  • spend afternoons in a lab each day, learning and practising research techniques
  • attend four bespoke, interactive workshops with experts
  • research a scientific topic or technique and create and deliver a presentation to peers and researchers
  • meet and network with PhD students and other scientists to talk to them about their jobs and get advice about careers and educational opportunities
  • explore Cambridge University, with the opportunity to ask questions and get advice from staff and students

Thank you to our funders and collaborators

ASTP will be expanded once again in 2025 due to generous funding from the Isaac Newton Trust Widening Participation and Induction Fund.

This funding has allowed the Gurdon Institute to collaborate with St Catharine’s College (programme lead), Newnham College, the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, MRC-Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and the Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry, MRC Toxicology Unit and the Department of Pathology.

ASTP logo showing the programme title with a magnifying glass showing cell organelles in teal inside
  • Two students working at a lab bench wearing PPE.
  • Smiling student working on plates at a lab bench.
Students sat at a bench for lunch with scientists

…it’s really fun, and is one of the few opportunities before university where you will get to live in your own, in a different city, and experience this with other people your age!

2019 ASTP Student
Five students smiling and showing thumbs up in front of large scientific artwork at the institute

Having experienced what the daily work of a researcher is like has made me feel more confident in choosing this as a potential career path in the future. Moreover, being exposed to the various lab techniques has made me appreciate and enjoy what I learn in Biology even more.

2019 ASTP Student
Students looking at the Pembroke College building

…it gave me a good insight into what life in this industry may look like and has given me the confidence to do a degree that is heavily lab based.

2019 ASTP Student
Vials of fluorescent liquids in microscopy workshop

…it benefited me as it showed me how interesting a career in research is. It also helped me in my personal statement as I could link the work experience to the degree I wanted to do.

2019 ASTP Student
Students in a conference room listening to a researcher present in front of a large projector

It has helped me in personal development, scientific skills, gaining an understanding of the career and enhanced my university application.

2018 ASTP Student
Student preparing a sample under a microscope

[The programme] assured me I wanted to study Biology and gave me an insight into the career. Also strengthened my application, as I could show I have relevant skills.

2018 ASTP Student

Get in Touch

If you have any questions, please contact astp@caths.cam.ac.uk and a member of the project team will get back to you.