90 schools in the UK applied for a grant to enhance their teaching of microbiology. The bids were 'open' with applicants itemising equipment, cultures & media or staff training that they needed. Schools were invited to bid for a grant up to £250 or one up to £1000. The MiSAC judging panel decided that any applicant submitting a bid substantially over £1000 should be deemed unsuccessful.

Schools submitted bids to improve the practical microbiology work they hoped to carry out. Some needed a new microscope &/or camera for observing the structure of microbes and projecting images onto interactive whiteboards. Others planned to carry out investigations with specific microorganisms and required culture media, MAST rings of antibiotics and associated equipment items such as Petri dishes, inoculation loops and Pasteur pipettes. Some required disinfectants or equipment for sterilisation and the services of companies providing statutory inspections of autoclaves. The need for microbiological training of technicians was evident in many bids.

Successful bids were made by the following schools.

Bids up to £1000:

The Community School, Auchterarder, New School Lane, Auchterarder, Perth & Kinross PH3 1BL

Bids up to £250:

Abraham Moss Community School, Crescent Road, Manchester M8 5UF Dingwall Academy, Dingwall, Ross-shire IV15 9LT Esland Grantham School, Isaac Newton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9RT Harleston Sancroft Academy, Wilderness Lane, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9DD John Masefield High School & Sixth Form Centre, Mabel's Furlong, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 2HF King Arthur's School, West Hill, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9BX Light Hall School, Hathaway Road, Solihull, West Midlands B90 2PZ Queen Elizabeth 6th Form College, Vane Terrace, Darlington, Durham DL3 7AU Sandbach High School & 6th Form College, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 3NT