After the “Little School of DNAology”, Savremena’s students who eagerly awaited their next scientific adventure, made their way towards the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering on the 11th of March. This time, the purpose of their visit was to take part in the ceremony marking the UniStem Day.

Through a series of lectures, debates and lab visits, students were able to learn about the various concepts and methods connected to stem cell research.

The fascinating world of stem cells

Under the guidance of their mentors, Savremena’s students, along with the other visitors at the event went on a tour of the Institute and peeked into the magical world of stem cell research. During the tour, they were able to learn about DNA sequencing and its mutations, storage methods, cell fixation and cell cultures.

Our students were most impressed with the room with the confocal laser scanning microscope where they were able to view samples magnified and displayed as 3D objects on a computer screen.

The enthusiastic young scientists went on to the warm room that smells like seafood, where they found a number of plastic aquariums. Each of them contained a dozen zebrafish which allow scientists to research various things and analyse tumors and other manifestations of rare diseases.

A fun game for a final recap

Concluding their visit with some treats, our students took part in a series of games to recap what they learned earlier in the day. By answering stem-cell related questions students were able to put their knowledge to use right away and win points in the interactive competition.

The game that got students fired up the most was organ pinning whereby the representatives of each team were asked to put on t-shirts with organs pictured on them while their teammates were supposed to draw a picture of the organ’s cells. The task was to pin the cells to the organ they belong to as quickly as possible.

Savremena’s students as future scientists

Along with learning new things, our students were able to experience a day in the life of a researcher and come to a better understanding of the world of science and the small things that make our lives much easier.

It is events like these that immerse students into various fields allowing them to experience what they may wish to pursue in the future, finding additional motivation along the way. We are proud of our students and of their interest in taking part in an international scientific event.

To view the photos from the event, visit our gallery.