These Budding Wellington Scientists Solved a Maritime Mystery

Our team started with a simple question: "Why do barnacles stick to ships?"

This common sight along coastlines translates to billions of dollars in costs for the global shipping industry each year. The accumulation of barnacles and other organisms on ship hulls increases drag, leading to higher fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, traditional anti-fouling paints containing heavy metal toxins persistently harm marine ecosystems.

Their research revealed that the tenacious molluscs attach to surfaces using a special protein called cp19k. The pupils set out to find an enzyme that could break down cp19k without contaminating our oceans.

They set up a complete biotechnology laboratory from scratch at the school. Over 10 months, they experimented and tested their ideas, learning not only scientific skills but confidence, resilience and teamwork.

"Through iGEM, we aim to combine curiosity, creativity and scientific rigour to contribute meaningfully both to our team and the broader community," says team leader and Year 13 pupil Yixuan.

Thomas Edwards, Head of Science, adds, "The iGEM team perfectly embodies our approach to education: supporting pupils to turn ideas into action, and nurturing qualities like scientific literacy, responsibility and resilience."

From our laboratories on campus, these pupils are tackling real-world challenges, demonstrating that true education equips young people to be the change they wish to see in the world.