The students were mentored by Dr Zakiya Leeming to develop their own musical compositions of both individual and group pieces of music inspired by the science of immune memory and the history of viruses and vaccines. 

In the week leading up to the concert, they worked with Dr Leeming and Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) musicians to bring these pieces to life: culminating in a concert showcasing 27 new musical explorations.

Sam Mortimer, Director of Science at the Co-op Academies Trust reflected that:

‘When I was approached by the project, I was excited by the unusual fusion of arts and science disciplines and how this might help both to resonate more deeply with young people… rarely if ever have I seen students perform at such a professional level, and they were all a real credit to the Co-op Academies Trust, their schools and the project. I am particularly proud that the students involved come from a broad range of backgrounds and interests, with many from more financially-challenged backgrounds and others who did not previously play a musical instrument; yet all of them rose to, met and exceeded the challenge before them.’ 

The performance day also involved a visit to the laboratories of the Lydia Beckett Institute at the University of Manchester. Led by Dr Jo Pennock and her fantastic team of immunologists and student ambassadors, students learnt about the pioneering work of Lydia Beckett, the cutting-edge research carried out by the Institute today, and got stuck in with hands-on activities (a pipette challenge being a particular favourite).