Open Doors Day attendees were introduced to gene technology

On Thursday, 29 February, University of Tartu hosted an open day for high school students. Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology was there to introduce the curriculum of gene technology. The event took place in University of Tartu Library.

In the exhibition area, Margus Leppik, Programme Manager of the curriculum, introduced the curriculum and high school students were able to ask questions directly from gene technology bachleor's degree students. Attendees saw the different tools they would be exposed to during their future studies in our institute. Also on the table were vinegar flies, a very important research subject for scientists. Vinegar flies' genome bears up to 80 percent similarity to the human genome.

High school students also got to learn more about our Biosciences Students' Association, via the members represented in the exhibition area.

Later, the workshop "How to see DNA?" was held in the library, led by members of the Mobile Bioclass. During the workshop, participants were able to make their DNA visible using products available in most households.

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Members of the Mobile Bioclass lead a workshop on "How to see DNA?". Photo by Andres Tennus

Our other workshop, "Practical gene technology", took place in Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology building. Project Manager Teele Eensaar first introduced the students to the student room and then gave a brief overview of our Institute's teaching and research activities. Students then moved on to the workshops, led by members of the Biosciences Student Society and Associate Professor Triinu Visnapuu. The workshops provided a first introduction to microorganisms, with many students getting to use the microscopes meant for research and studying for the first time.

A lot of students, who were interested in the subject, stayed in the institute until last of the coordinated buses left Tartu.

We are very grateful to all the young people from different corners of Estonia who took the time to come and visit University of Tartu.