23.03.2026
students
Additional information
Teele Eensaar
mag (Interpreting)
Faculty of Science and Technology
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Manager
+372 737 5033
Riia 23b–133

Genetics Study Days Brought Over 190 High School Students to Tartu

Geneetika õppepäev molekulaar- ja rakubioloogia instituudis
Author: Mailis Vahenurm

From March 9 to March 20, 2026, the Genetics Study Days were once again held at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu. Over the course of eight study days, a total of 193 high school students from 11 schools across Estonia participated in hands-on workshops.

The target group of the study days was high school students, primarily those in grades 11 and 12. Participants could choose between three workshops: molecular medicine, forensics, and green technology.

In the molecular medicine workshop, students analyzed their own DNA to determine the presence of a gene deletion associated with potential HIV resistance. In the forensics workshop, participants solved a simulated crime case by comparing DNA samples from suspects with material collected at the crime scene. In the green technology workshop, students examined microbial DNA isolated from environmental samples.

The study days were organized by the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Tartu and the Education Working Group of the Biosciences' Student Association. The student coordination and organization of the study days were led by Roosi-Liis Keskküla, a student of Biology and Biodiversity Conservation, University of Tartu.

The aim of the study days is to provide high school students with real laboratory experience and to demonstrate how diverse and practical genetics can be. It is truly inspiring to see how quickly students engage with experiments and become enthusiastic about science.

Roosi-Liis Keskküla
Head of the Education Working Group of the Biosciences' Student Association

Schools from the following counties participated in the study days:

  • Lääne-Viru County: Rakvere State Gymnasium

  • Valga County: Valga Gymnasium

  • Harju County: Rocca al Mare School, Gustav Adolf Gymnasium, Keila School

  • Tartu County: Lähte Joint Gymnasium, Tartu Waldorf Gymnasium, Rõngu Secondary School, Miina Härma Gymnasium, Nõo Real Gymnasium, Võnnu Secondary School

The aim of the Genetics Study Days is to offer engaging laboratory workshops that foster interest in genetics, introduce bioscience fields, and highlight the importance of science in modern society.

Thanks to the support of sponsors, participation in the study days was free of charge for schools. The study days also carry the label “Nationally Recognized Science Popularizer.”

Generous supporters

The study days were supported by:

Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
Biosciences' Student Association

Biotechnology companies:

UPSTREAM OÜNOVA NATURA OÜSOLIS BIODYNE OÜ
LANMER GROUP OÜBIOATLAS OÜSEMETRON AS