Showing Youth What it's like to be a Researcher for a Day

People may have heard about diseases related to the immune system. But does anyone really know what's being done to try and stop the diseases in the first place? Throughout the school year, Dr. Michel G. Bergeron, along with active researchers, give youth a chance to find out by visiting Laval University's Research Center for Infectious Diseases and become a researcher for a day ("Chercheur-e d'un jour : Synapse").

"More than 25 senior researchers, project leaders, and graduate students will share their vision, their passion, and their mission for medical research with these 'Researcher of a day' teenagers," says Dr. Bergeron. "These teenagers will become acquainted with scientific careers as they enjoy being part of the 'research team' in an active laboratory. We strongly believe this opportunity will help in the development of the next generation of Canadian researchers."

In one day, different weekly groups, made up of eight high school science students (Grades 11-13) and two teachers, will learn key details about some of the immune system problems that exist, try to understand how bacteria can resist antibiotics in the first place, and then go to various labs at the Centre to conduct microscopic observations. It seems to be a lot to absorb in a short period of time, but the project actually expands upon similar visits that have been conducted by the Centre for almost a decade. All visits have been reviewed favourably by participants.

To ensure safety from all bacterial items under investigation, participants follow the Centre's strict safety regulations in-place. Through collaboration with 50 high schools in the Quebec City area, this CIHR-funded project gives students, of different age ranges and financial backgrounds, the chance to learn about efforts currently conducted in health research and also understand its value for overall human well-being.