Twelve transition year students from Dublin and its surrounding areas completed a three-day interactive MiniScience programme, which ran from 8-10 February.

As part of the course, students experienced life as a scientist while taking part in interactive workshops where they learned about the ageing of the human brain, neuronal cell structure and functioning. They also learned about research into Motor Neuron Disease and got the opportunity to observe and treat cancer cells.

The programme was led and co-ordinated by Dr Helena Bonner in the Department of Physiology and Medical Physics at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) in conjunction with the Centre for Systems Medicine (CSM), based at RCSI.

Other highlights from the week included when the students gained hands-on experience in separating DNA using gel electrophoresis. They heard from RCSI researchers about the daily working lives of CSM researchers and about their careers to date. The programme featureD a guest lecture from Claire McDonald, Programmes Directorate, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), who spoke about SFI's 'STEM and Smart Futures' initiatives. The programme ended with sessions on the importance of systems biology and biostatistics in translational research.

Speaking on the programme, Professor Jochen Prehn, Professor of Physiology and Medical Physics and Director for the Centre for Systems Medicine, RCSI said, "I am delighted to welcome the students to RCSI for this programme. Over the course of the programme they will get a real experience for what life is really like for researchers and scientists. I hope, from this course, that the students will learn a lot and perhaps it will lead to them considering a career in science."