From July 8th to 12th, the Faculty of Biotechnology hosted the "Experiment with Science" week, an initiative packed with hands-on activities aimed at secondary school students. Organized around four areas of study - microbiology, bioengineering, environment, and biomedical sciences - the week provided an immersion into the world of scientific research, featuring activities led by researchers from the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF).
Throughout the five days, participants had the opportunity to conduct laboratory experiments, engage in discussions with experts, and visit research projects, exploring practical themes central to degrees in Science and Society, Bioengineering, and Microbiology.
Biomedical and bioinformatics were among the activities
The week began on Monday, July 8th, with activities focused on cell culture and biomedical sciences. Students assessed the power of probiotics in cell lines and discovered new materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Food decontamination using plasma was another theme explored on this day. On Tuesday, July 9th, participants took a guided tour of the "Orthopedic Standard" group, where they learned about innovations in orthopedics. Wednesday, July 10th, again focused on cell culture and bioinformatics, highlighting the importance of water as a measure of life and the role of bioinformatics in the food industry. On Thursday, July 11th, students visited the company "Germen," deepening their knowledge of industrial processes and technological innovations. The week culminated on Friday, July 12th, with a diverse program that included biomedical and bioinformatics topics, repeating some of the most appreciated activities by students throughout the week.
"I learned a lot, in a different way"
Participants described the experience as "intense," "enriching," "I learned a lot, in a different way," and "helped us make a future decision," reflecting the positive impact of this initiative on their growth and learning.
With over 50 participants in previous editions and a carefully planned program, the "Experiment with Science" week reaffirms itself as an essential moment to awaken the interest of secondary school youth in science and research, aligning with the mission of the Faculty of Biotechnology to promote scientific literacy.
