Group of A and AS level students attend outreach day<em> - News </em>

By Laura Gallagher
Wednesday 18 July 2007

A group of A and AS level students were given a taste of life as a scientific researcher this month when they attended an outreach day in the Department of Metabolic Medicine.

Fifteen students aged 16 and 17, from different schools across the UK, came to Imperial find out about work in the department, which focuses on how the gut and brain control appetite and body-weight. The organisers hoped to encourage the students' interest in biological research and to convey the diversity and importance of the field.

The students were given hands-on experience of life in the lab, performing an experiment using a technique known as an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). This was used to detect levels of a 'hunger hormone' which is increased in the blood in the fasted state, and which signals to the brain to increase appetite and encourage food intake.

The students also took part in interactive lectures, which gave them the chance to experience learning science at degree level; toured the laboratories; and learned how the department is run.

The researchers explained how they take research findings from animal models through to human studies, and how trials with healthy human volunteers are carried out. They then tasked the students with designing their own clinical trial.

Dr Emily Thompson , the organiser of the day from the Department of Metabolic Medicine, said: "Our overall goal was to make the day fun, relaxed and full of variety. To keep Britain's position as a global leader we need to encourage enthusiasm for science from a young age. The school pupils of today will have to tackle the future challenges facing society.

"We aimed to illustrate that careers within the biological and medical sciences are exciting, hugely worthwhile and offer a wide range of opportunities. Our department is a leading international centre for translational scientific research. As such it is in an excellent position to demonstrate both enthusiasm for science and its relevance to the problems of today. The ecstatic feedback we received from the students proved the need for such a day."

Professor Steve Bloom , Head of the Department of Metabolic Medicine, said: "The day hit a commendable bulls-eye in terms of inspiring the students and we hope they will be encouraged to apply to the College."

Current PhD students and a lecturer from the department also took part in the day, chatting to the students, organising interactive activities and giving presentations on the field of appetite regulation and the obesity epidemic.

The department is planning to hold a similar day next year after receiving lots of positive feedback. "I felt it was very interesting, I learned a lot about the field. I really enjoyed the activities and the friendly atmosphere," wrote one student. "I had a lot of fun today and learnt lots of new things - it was a great experience!" added another.