What's it like to be a scientist? Work experience and summer schools

What's it like to be a scientist in a research lab? What would your average day be like? How can you get work experience there? And what's really going on at the cutting-edge of plant science? There are plenty of opportunities for GCSE and A-level students to experience life in a professional plant science lab, including summer schools and bursaries. Find out more about these here.

The Brewing Expert - careers in biology

Prof Geoff Palmer OBE is an expert in the science and technology of barley, and its role in the brewing process. His scientific career began as a technician, assisting a Professor in a University lab, who encouraged him to study for a degree. Hear him talk to poet Benjamin Zephaniah about his early job experiences as a scientist. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Discovering new things every day - careers in biology

Dr Beverley Glover is a research scientist, exploring the topics and problems that intrigue her, and making new discoveries every day. She's an expert on how plants attract their pollinators to produce seeds - without which, humanity would starve. She tells us what she enjoys most in her job. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Tropical forest regeneration at the Eden Project - careers in biology

Peter is based at the Eden Project, and works on tropical forest regeneration. He was inspired in his career as a scientist by his teachers, family, David Attenborough's Life on Earth TV series and a gap year project with Operation Raleigh. His top tip is to take advantage of opportunities as they come along. A video from iCould. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Running a unique business - careers in biology

Dr Paul Thomas set up his own business, using his expertise in growing truffles for top chefs - one of the most expensive ingredients on the planet. Paul's top tip - ''I find running a business is an incredibly free position to be in, you can go off and basically do what you want to do.'' A video from iCould. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Ecology for the Forestry Commission - careers in biology

Amy Eycott is an ecologist at the Forestry Commission, the government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands. Her job involves a mix of both computers and fieldwork - she says its the perfect job for someone who's always curious. A video from iCould. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Production Manager - careers in biology

James Seymour is passionate about the plants behind our food and drink. He trained with a wine company and now produces herbs. James' top tip for a job in science: ''If you have that passion then people notice that enthusiasm. People comment on it and so you start to build a good name for yourself.'' A video from iCould. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Educating about environmental issues - careers in biology

Rosemary Hunter talks about her job educating students about environmental issues. Her top tip for careers in biology - ''you basically graduate, you've got a qualification but you haven't got the experience, and I think volunteering and doing the gap year helped me, cos I was making myself different from all the rest of the graduates.'' A video from iCould. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Rescuing endangered plants - careers in biology

Jonathan Kendon works at Kew, rescuing some of the world's most endangered species. Jonathan says 'Patience, an eye for detail and good dexterity are what you need to do my job.' His tip for people looking for a career in biology is about work experience: 'If you plug away and you're determined and passionate, it stands you in good stead for eventually getting a paid job'. Part of the 'Careers in Biology' series.

Using plants to attack HIV - careers in biology

Prof Julian Ma is developing plants that produce vaccines against diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. He says the best part of his job is that The best bit is the fact that ''I can think of an idea and go away,work on it, and show whether the idea’s a good one or not. It’s the freedom for me to act on the ideas I’m having by myself.'' Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Tackling Food Shortages - careers in biology

Prof Jane Langdale is researching new forms of photosynthesis. Jane's top tip for a job in biology - 'Teamwork is very important in science, especially in a lab. It’s very social. There’s a lot of travel, which is very exciting when you’re young. It’s fantastic, because you go all over the world.' Part of the 'Careers in Biology' series.

Using computers to model crop growth - careers in biology

Tilly Eldridge is a PhD student, modelling crop growth with computers and model plants. Her top tip for a job in biology: 'Take as many opportunities as come your way – never turn down a chance, as you don’t know who you’ll meet. If you get into the lab atmosphere, you can find yourself travelling around the world.' Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Conservation and inspiration - careers in biology

Dr Natasha de Vere works at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, a new garden that's already achieving world firsts for science. Her research projects include looking at antibacterial properties of wildflower honey, and DNA barcoding all Welsh native flowers. She talks about her current job and her career in biology so far. Part of the 'Careers in Biology' series.

Hunting anti-cancer drugs in the Malaysian Rainforest - careers in biology

Jessica Chu is a PhD student, hunting for cancer drugs in rainforest plants. She says 'over 60% of the anticancer treatments available comes from or are inspired by natural products. So far only 10-15% of the estimated 320, 000 plant species have been investigated for their pharmaceutical purpose, so it's obvious that the potential to find another good treatment is huge. Part of the Careers in Biology series.

Careers in Biology and Plant Sciences

If you've enjoyed studying plant science at school and college, there are plenty of ways you can take your interest forward into a career. Find out more about some of them here.