Have you ever wondered how schools can access top-notch products at affordable prices? The answer lies in strategic partnerships with world-renowned expert organisations. By collaborating with entities like the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC) for bacteria and the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP) for algae and protozoa, here at Darwin Biological we offer the best possible products at school-level prices.
What is the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC)?
All Darwin’s bacteria cultures are derived from strains held by the British National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC). Founded in 1920, the NCTC is the longest-established collection of its type anywhere in the world and is operated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA, formerly Public Health England). The bacteria that the collection houses is used globally, in total they have over 5000 strains including samples deposited by Sir Alexander Fleming himself!
By partnering with NCTC, we can ensure that the bacteria cultures we produce in-house are of the highest quality whilst still affordable for schools and colleges.
To ensure affordability our bacteria is 3-4 passages away from the mother cultures, and as such is not suitable for research purposes. If you are purchasing on behalf of a commercial organisation or university please purchase direct from the NCTC, these products are not available for private individuals to purchase.
Who is the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP)?
Darwin Biological is proud to be partnered with the Culture Collection of Algae & Protozoa (CCAP) with the specific aim of increasing the range of organisms that students in UK schools have access to study. We offer a curated range of specimens that cover a wide range of taxonomies, from the classic Scenedesmus quadricauda (popular for algal balls) through to the bioluminescent Pyrocystis lunula and protozoa Amoeba borokensis.
The Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP) is a Biological Resource Centre located within the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) campus near Oban on the scenic west coast of Scotland. CCAP is supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation, as a National Capability service. The CCAP supports researchers and businesses across the world with knowledge about the taxonomy and cultivation of algae and protozoa and provide starter cultures and growth media to a wide range of customers.
This partnership enables schools to offer students hands-on experience with a variety of pure microorganisms, enhancing their learning opportunities. If you are purchasing on behalf of a commercial organisation or university please purchase direct from the CCAP.
For information about specific CCAP strains please see their website as well as individual product pages on our website.
View our range of algae & protozoa >>
How do these partnerships benefit schools?
Through fostering relationships with expert organisations like NCTC and CCAP, we can give schools access high-quality materials at competitive prices. This, in turn, allows schools to procure top-notch products without breaking the bank. Students benefit from using authentic and reliable materials in their studies, enhancing the quality of their educational experience.
These partnerships also ensure that schools have access to a wide range of materials, enabling educators to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for their students. By leveraging the expertise of these renowned organisation, educational suppliers can offer innovative products that meet the needs of modern classrooms.
Conclusion
Partnerships with world-renowned expert organisations like NCTC and CCAP are instrumental in providing schools with the best possible products at affordable prices. By collaborating with these entities, educational suppliers can ensure that students have access to high-quality materials for their studies, enhancing the overall learning experience. These partnerships not only benefit schools and students but also contribute to the advancement of education through innovation and excellence.