The College’s STEM Society recently hosted an invitational talk for Lower Sixth science students, welcoming Tiffany Thorn, CEO of BiVictrix, to speak about her career at the intersection of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Ahead of the event, members of staff and the STEM Society committee had the pleasure of attending a pre-talk dinner with Ms Thorn. This provided an informal opportunity to discuss her career journey, the realities of working in a science-led start-up environment, and the challenges and rewards of translating scientific ideas into real-world impact. The evening set the tone for what proved to be a highly engaging and thought-provoking visit.
The talk itself was attended by invited Lower Sixth scientists and focused on Ms Thorn’s pathway into the biotech sector, the work of BiVictrix, and the wider landscape of careers available to students with strong scientific backgrounds. She spoke candidly about decision-making, risk, resilience, and the importance of maintaining scientific integrity while operating in a commercial environment. Pupils were particularly struck by the breadth of roles available within STEM industries beyond the most familiar academic or clinical routes.
Throughout the presentation, pupils were visibly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and responding enthusiastically to the ideas being discussed. The atmosphere in the room reflected genuine curiosity, with many pupils clearly inspired by hearing from a speaker who combined scientific expertise with leadership and entrepreneurial experience.
Following the talk, Ms Thorn generously remained for over an hour, during which time pupils took the opportunity to speak with her one-to-one. This extended question session proved extremely popular, with pupils asking about subject choices, university pathways, career planning, and what day-to-day life looks like in senior roles within the biotech sector. The depth and quality of these conversations highlighted just how valuable direct access to professionals can be in helping pupils clarify their ambitions and broaden their perspectives.
The STEM Society would like to extend its sincere thanks to Tiffany Thorn for her time, openness, and enthusiasm, and for providing such an enriching experience for our pupils. Events such as this play a vital role in helping young scientists see the real-world relevance of their studies and imagine the many futures open to them.
Chris Wheatland
Head of Physics
