Communicating to youth the exhilaration of science

With its ongoing commitment to connect local, provincial and national communities, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) plans to create a scientific junction among 250 Grade 7-12 students, their teachers and university faculty researchers at a one-day hands-on symposium devoted to basic biomedical and population health research called 'UOIT Science Research for Health Day'.

The morning will feature presentations related to nutrition, cancer and the environment, and anti-parasite drug discoveries. In the afternoon, high school students and teachers will get the opportunity to tour labs on the UOIT campus which are devoted to biomolecular science as well as environmental science and health. These tours will allow everyone to see science in action.

"With topics that vary from cancer biology to functional foods, there is a concerted effort to show the diversity of health-focused applications of science research," says Dr. Julia Green-Johnston, one of the symposium's principle organizers. "The speakers will point out how their research ultimately connects with daily life and will encourage high school students to ask questions not only about the research itself but about science-related careers in the health field."

The day's activities promise to offer an effective collaboration of discussion and tours that will allow students to understand the value of health research in relation to human health. It also represents a partnership between CIHR, UOIT, and the Youth Science Foundation Canada.