UniStem Day: Experiment for yourself in a real lab

Gowns and gloves on and off they go: At the international UniStem Day at the MHH, students experienced stem cell research first-hand

On March 10, 33 high school students learned through lectures how broken hearts can be healed, which path leads to an artificial stem cell niche and how lung diseases are treated in children. Afterwards, the students were able to conduct their own experiments related to stem cell research in four different laboratories. The focus was on the liver, lungs and blood as well as the topic of gene therapy. For example, they were able to “split” stem cells, i.e. detach them from the nutrient medium and reseed them so that they continue to divide. They were also able to look at the cilia beating in lung epithelial cells and marvel at “beating” heart muscle cells produced from stem cells. The young men and women pipetted to isolate bacterial genes and harvested stem cells to make cell aggregates that then produce immune cells in cell culture for infection research.

The afternoon was all about the different career paths that exist in research. The young men and women had the opportunity to get to know the various professions and career stages in science - even in person. They were able to talk to students, high school graduates who are currently doing their Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ), doctoral students and other researchers. The UniStem Day at the MHH was organized by the team around RESIST professor Dr. Nico Lachmann, Dr. Ruth Olmer and Dr. Sylvia Merkert.

Direct personal exchange with researchers

“I found it interesting to even be allowed to experiment in a real laboratory myself, and it was particularly exciting to learn about the different professions that exist in the field of research at a university,” reports 17-year-old Roz from the eleventh grade at the Luther School enthusiastically. “I really enjoyed the different experiments and especially the direct, personal exchange with the researchers. I definitely want to become a scientist,” says 19-year-old Charlie from Burgdorf High School.

More than 600 research institutions around the world opened their doors on March 10 for UniStem Day to devote an entire day to stem cell research together with around 40,000 interested schoolchildren. It took place for the eighth time. Hannover Medical School (MHH) was also involved again. The organizers were supported by the RESIST Cluster of Excellence, the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and the Center for Regenerative Medicine REBIRTH.