International Youth Day: Empowering Future Innovators in Life Sciences

August 12th marks a global celebration of young people’s contributions to society via International Youth Day. Established by the United Nations in 2000, the day highlights the role young people play in shaping a better, more sustainable future. This is a message that we think is highly relevant to us at Cardiff Medicentre, as the world of STEM start-ups thrives on the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that young people offer.

To mark the occasion, we spoke to some of our brilliant Medicentre tenants working across the biotech and medtech sectors. From what first inspired them to pursue science, to advice for the next generation, here’s what they had to say:

💬“The best part of working for my company…”

Oliver, Year in Industry student, Feed, Food & Future:

“The opportunity to work alongside industry professionals who have decades of experience is invaluable. I’ve learned so much, not just in lab skills but in decision-making and everyday problem solving. I also got to attend a conference where I met people across a huge range of fields — it was brilliant for networking and opened up so many doors.”

Sue, CEDAR:

“My colleagues. With a variety of backgrounds, and multiple projects, we have overlapping, but complimentary, knowledge and experience. I can get sensible and useful answers to my questions, and sometimes help them with their issues. We collaborate and assist each other, working across different teams and tasks. There’s always something new to learn.”

Aya, Work Experience, Alesi Surgical:

“As an Electro-Mechanical Technician intern at Alesi Surgical, I have been given real responsibilities that have helped me feel like a valuable part of the team.”

Declan, Neurocrine:

“The collaboration. Everyone is respectful and inclusive, which creates a really motivated and supportive environment.”

💬“My advice to young people looking for a STEM role…”

Natalia, CME:

“Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help or experience from anyone and everyone. Most people are happy to share advice or opportunities if you just ask.”

Oliver:

“Networking — whether online or in person — is an exceptionally valuable habit. It broadens your landscape of opportunities and really helps when it comes to finding roles in STEM.”

Sue:

“You probably already know what interests you, but it can take a while to work out what your real strengths are and how you prefer to work. Don’t worry if you don’t know quite what to do, find something interesting and do that. Or at least find something interesting in what you do. Experience is rarely wasted and transferable skills are really key to moving forward.”

💬“What inspired you to work in bioscience or healthcare?”

Agatha, Cedar:

“Healthcare encompasses anything from shaping NHS guidelines to crucial clinical research – the options for career progression and specialising are plentiful!”

Aya:

“During my final year [at Cardiff Uni], I completed a project on the microwave treatment of cancer cells, which sparked a strong interest in the biomedical applications of engineering. That experience inspired me to explore the field further.”

Sue:

“After my physics degree I wanted to carry on learning and initially dismissed the idea of a career in Medical Physics. Three years later I realised that I was searching for a rewarding way to put my accumulated science learning to good use. I gradually came to the conclusion that being an NHS Medical Physicist might be what I was looking for, so I applied for the training scheme.”

Oliver:

“God has given me so many opportunities and a drive to work on something that can improve health across the world. Health issues can take a massive toll on someone’s relationships and quality of life — I want to be part of research that reduces that impact, so more people can live well and in community with others.”

💬“Got a start-up idea? Here’s our advice…”

James, Immunoserv:

“First and foremost for any scientific company, the science behind its products or services needs to be solid. Gather together all of the information which supports [your] innovation, claims, or expertise.”

Oliver:

“Believe in your idea. If you don’t, it will be far more difficult to push through or get others on board.”

Aya:

“This [internship] has been a great way to apply what I learnt throughout my degree while getting a closer look at how engineering is used in real medical technologies. This experience has definitely helped me explore this field.”

💡 Top tip: If you’re under 25 and have an innovative business idea in biosciences or beyond, check out Big Ideas Wales for support ranging from free resources to expert advice and even grant funding. 💡

Thank you to the young people contributing fresh ideas and energy to STEM. Your work is making a real impact, and at Cardiff Medicentre we’re proud to support your journey.