Roche Science Week
Students are being encouraged to take part in a week of hands-on science at Bermuda College, offering practical learning, real-world challenges, and a clearer view of how science can lead to future careers.
Roche Science Week is designed to make science practical and achievable, helping students connect today’s curiosity to tomorrow’s careers.
This year’s programme will focus on climate risk and resilience, and how island communities like Bermuda can plan, adapt, and thrive.
The week includes a series of events, some featuring Dr. Mark Guishard, Chief Operating Officer of the ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the 2026 Roche Speaker.
“Roche Science Week inspires students from an early age by providing meaningful insight into the diverse fields of the natural sciences, technical sciences, and allied health,” said Alnisha Simmons, Senior Lecturer and Chair of Science, Division of Arts & Science, at Bermuda College.
“Students not only explore potential academic and career pathways but also engage with real-world research conducted by Bermudian scientists, such as our featured speaker, Dr. Mark Guishard, as well as our in-house CariGenetics research laboratory.
“This authentic connection to science in action is at the very heart of what Roche Science Week is all about.”
Drawing on a career that includes operational training with the UK Met Office and the U.S. National Hurricane Centre, as well as research on Atlantic hurricanes and subtropical storms, Dr. Guishard will connect the science of weather and oceans to everyday decision-making in small island communities.
“Small islands live at the frontline of weather and climate impacts, which means understanding risk is not abstract; it is personal and practical,” he said.
“I want students to see how scientific and analytical skills translate into real jobs: forecasting, data science, emergency planning, engineering, environmental management, research, and risk assessment that protects people and economies.”
Dr. Guishard has also worked in catastrophe risk analysis and modelling, bridging the worlds of science, resilience planning, and the risk-focused industries that are significant to Bermuda’s economy.
“Science careers are not one lane; they are a network of pathways, and programmes like this help students find their entry point,” Dr. Guishard added.
“Whether you are drawn to oceans, weather, health, technology, or management, the most important step is to start building strong foundations, ask questions, and seek mentors. Bermuda College is a place where that journey can begin.”
Roche Science Week Schedule
Demo Day (for schools only):
Tuesday, March 17, 9am to 12pm Hands-on demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and student-led prjoects.
Master Class (still open to students):
Tuesday, March 17, 1:30pm to 3pm A focused session with Dr. Guishard for senior school and college students.
Public Forum:
Wednesday, March 18, 6:30pm to 8:00pm. An open community conversation on science, risk, and resilience.
Roche Science Week reflects a long-standing partnership between Roche, a Swiss multinational healthcare company specialising in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, and Bermuda College that has supported science education for decades, including the establishment of the Roche Science Centre.
The week also celebrates the achievements of past scholarship recipients, including Bermudian Dr. Malcolm Brock, Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, whose career underscores how early opportunities can lead to world-class outcomes.
To find out more or register, contact