“We wanted to show students the insides of a research lab since they are typically not introduced to this during their study,” says Christine Wild-Bode. Together with Alice Sülzen, Nina Hermann, Anne Wöllmer, and Stefanie Fülöp she set up the program as part of SyNergy’s translational teaching track. The program covered essential histological and biochemical laboratory skills, such as cell culture, staining, and microscopy, as well as research skills for formulating good research questions and presenting ideas.

At the end of the week, the students put what they learned into practice and pitched their hypothetical projects. “From the influence of estrogen on Alzheimer's to the role of oligodendroglia in plaque progression, their ideas and output were as diverse as the program,” says Lis de Weerd, who coordinated this part.

“We received positive feedback from the students; they especially enjoyed seeing cutting-edge research on neurodegeneration in practice,” Anne Wöllmer observes, “this signals the importance of giving students insights into fundamental research.” Jonas Neher concludes: “After successfully piloting the SyNergy Lab Week this year, we aim to offer the program to an even larger number of students next year. This offers a unique opportunity to recruit motivated MD students for a future career in research.”