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Summer in Science – life in a research lab
20 secondary school students from all over Italy participated in the fourth edition of Summer in Science at EMBL Rome
The fourth edition of the Summer in Science programme brought together 20 high school students from across Italy for an intensive two-week molecular biology training experience at EMBL Rome.
The first week included seminars from several EMBL scientists, debates on science and society, a session on science communication, and hands-on laboratory training activities carried out in the renovated training labs at EMBL Rome. During the first week, students worked in pairs to complete a cloning experiment, choosing the experimental strategy, appropriate conditions, reagents and controls at each stage. They also learned basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA and gene expression analyses, protein detection by fluorescence, and immunoblotting.
The week culminated in a full-day visit to the biotech companies ReiThera and Nouscom. The students had the opportunity to meet company staff, who gave a series of tours and in-depth presentations on the various stages of drug and vaccine development. The day ended with testimonials from two alumni of the first Summer in Science edition in 2017, who are currently completing their university studies in Biology and Medicine.
During the second week, students were assigned to hosting laboratories and facilities at EMBL and the Italian National Research Institute CNR. They experienced life in a research group and participated in routine laboratory activities, while being immersed in ongoing research projects under the supervision of active scientists.
This video captures the highly interactive atmosphere at Summer in Science 2022. The programme, organised and executed by the Adamas Scienza Association and EMBL in collaboration with the CNR, is a unique opportunity for Italian students to experience an immersive residential laboratory training programme in an international setting.
Summer in Science 2022 was dedicated to the memory of Riccardo Cortese and carried out thanks to the generous contribution of his family and friends, and the Biotech Companies ReiThera and Nouscom, under the patronage of the municipality of Monterotondo.
