At the end of the Summer Term, Lower Sixth students studying A Level Biology visited one of the UK's largest tissue banks, 'The London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank' at King's College London. During their visit, they were privileged to see whole and dissected human brains, the workings of a molecular biology laboratory, live DNA sequencing, and much more.

Established in 1989 and licensed by the Human Tissue Authority, KCL's Brain Bank is part of the UK network of Brain Banks (UKBBN). The Brain Bank provides human central nervous system tissue samples – both post-mortem and from surgical interventions – to the neuroscience research community. Brain and spinal cord donations undergo thorough neuropathological assessment, with anonymised clinical information. Studies are carried out and tissue provided to researchers working on many different diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's, Motor Neuron Disease, Frontotemporal dementia and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Brain Bank receives over 50 new donations per year and supplies samples to researchers both in the UK and worldwide, working closely with charities such as Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Research UK, MND Association and the MRC.

With thanks to Mr Marriott, Mr A Williams and Biology Department colleagues for facilitating this fascinating and enjoyable trip.