At the beginning of lockdown, virologist Ben Galley and neuroscientist Beth Cole were forced to stop all their practical work for their PhDs - but that wouldn’t keep them out of the lab. Because of their laboratory experience they were asked to work on COVID-19 test samples, analysing swabs sent in by the public. During April and May, Ben and Beth swapped their smaller Leeds-based labs for a new COVID-testing ‘megalab’ in Milton Keynes.
What was the experience like for you?
Beth: It was probably one of the most intense experiences of my life. It was good to be there and I was really happy that I was helping, but by the end I had to leave. The atmosphere and other people working there made it a good experience.