At this year's UniStem Day on 22 March at the MHH, which was organised by RESIST Professor Lachmann, PD Dr Ruth Olmer and Dr Sylvia Merkert, 24 sixth form students were able to experience stem cell research first-hand.
A young guest takes blood samples from Dr Rahn. Copyright: Bettina Bandel / MHH
In the middle of the Easter holidays, they came to the MHH, where Dr Carlens first gave them an impression of what incurable lung disease means for those affected. PD Dr Zweigerdt explained to them how broken hearts can be healed. The young guests were then able to carry out their own experiments in four different laboratories relating to stem cell research. For example, they were able to produce macrophages (scavenger cells) in Prof. Lachmann's laboratory and learn about the importance of cells in infection research, or let Dr Rahn show them the premature baby ward, ultrasound and blood sampling in the paediatric clinic.
After a break in the canteen, Prof Hoppe explored with them the question of whether one's own body belongs exclusively to oneself. A particularly exciting part of the day for the young guests was being able to ask researchers - including students, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) and doctoral students - questions directly after the lectures and guided tours.
The young guests were delighted: "The doctors at the paediatric clinic are very open and flexible. Everything was explained in detail, slowly and well, so that a newcomer like me was able to absorb everything really well," said Melisa Schmidt. "The UniStem Day had a very positive impact on my decision regarding my career choice. The incredibly helpful organisers and doctors contributed to this," reports Nina Harms.
On the annual UniStem Day, research institutions around the world open their doors to interested schoolchildren to dedicate an entire day to stem cell research.
Text: Bettina Bandel