BeyondBio: Connecting classrooms with research

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For many school classes, experiencing research first-hand is not something they get to do every day. BeyondBio is a new science communication initiative that grew out of an idea by Finn Heinemann (a student at the Biocenter) and was further developed in collaboration with the Biomedical Center (BMC). It is an example of the close collaboration between the Biomedical Centre and the Biocenter at LMU. Together, the two institutions are pooling their expertise to give school pupils in the Munich district authentic insights into university studies, research and career prospects in the life sciences.

The format has been deliberately designed to be interactive: rather than a traditional lecture, the focus is on discussion and the pupils’ questions. In this way, we aim to engage with them early on and respond to their individual interests.

Yesterday, we started the project by visiting a Year 12 class at the Christoph-Probst-Gymnasium in Gilching. The team consisted of Prof. Stefan Stricker (BMC), Finn Heinemann (LMU student), Verena Kochan (BMC Science Management) and Daniela Diefenbacher (BMC Public Relations). Stefan Stricker provided an insight into his current CRISPR research, whilst Finn Heinemann spoke first-hand about the opportunities and challenges of studying biology at LMU.

During the double lesson, the team answered numerous questions – ranging from studying biology and career paths in science, through to everyday life in the laboratory, and covering various career opportunities and current research topics. At a small laboratory station, the pupils were also given the opportunity to carry out practical work themselves and gain their first experience of pipetting.

The successful launch has shown just how great the interest in science and research is. We look forward to future enquiries from schools and to engaging in exciting discussions with interested pupils in the Munich district.

We would also like to thank Dr Andreas Brachmann (LMU Biozentrum), the DFG transregional Collaborative Research Centres TRR359 “PILOT” and TRR332 “Neutrophils” for their support.