14 February 2011

DUNDEE PUPILS TO 'LIGHT UP THE LABS' AT MEDICAL SCHOOL

Photo opportunity: 9.15 am to 11.15 am, Tuesday, 15th February and Wednesday 16th February
Clinical Research Centre, Ninewells Hospital
Pupils from Cragie High School will be undertaking the final days of their Light up the Lab projects
Contact Jon Urch on 07812 598394.

Secondary School pupils from two Dundee schools will receive an enlightening introduction to research skills by working closely this week with scientists at the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine.

Through the Scottish Government-funded `Light up the Lab’ project more than 20 pupils from Craigie and St. John’s High Schools will be developing their practical skills, gaining experience and getting to grips with the tools of the trade – lab pipettes

Six researchers from the School of Medicine at the University of Dundee are hosting the pupils, who will be learning about the genetics of serious skin conditions, including skin cancer, whose prevalence is increasing dramatically in Scotland and the groundbreaking treatments that the research teams are developing.

The scientists have already visited the two schools to give talks and pupils signed up for the return visits to the labs. Light up the Lab has involved students studying for their Standard grades and up to their Advanced Highers.

For most of the pupils this is a first chance to visit a research facility and they jumped at the chance to get experience of working in a lab. Activities have been designed so that the pupils can gain as much hands-on and practical experience as possible.

Dr. Andy South, one of the research team leaders hosting students, said, “This is a great opportunity to show kids that working in Medical Research is not only interesting and rewarding but can be a lot of fun as well.

“They will get the chance to carry out experiments and ask lots of questions about science and career opportunities in science.”

Yi-Zhen Ng, a postgraduate student who has helped co-ordinate the project, said, “The pupils will gain a fascinating insight in to life in the lab and at an excellent Clinical Research facility that puts interactions with the local community at its very core.”

For further information please contact Jon Urch, 01382 386669, 07812 598394 or email j.urch@dundee.ac.uk

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902