Inés Roucou, a 16-year-old student, could benefit from a 2-week stay at the Laboratory of Biomimetic Systems for Cell Engineering at IBEC in Barcelona. She learned about bioengineering and topics related to B-BRIGHTER project, guided by the researchers Núria and Marcel.
Once again, the Biomimetic Systems for Cell Engineering laboratory, led by Elena Martínez at IBEC, reinforced its commitment to educating young students and helping to inspire scientific vocations. This time, Núria Torras and Marcel Sorribas participated in a professional observation internship, developed in collaboration with the Lycée Français de Barcelona, a French school near IBEC.
This program aims to help young students choose their future careers by giving them first-hand experience of the work of professionals from different fields. In this context, Inés Roucou, who is passionate about medicine, chose Elena’s laboratory to learn about how scientific research is at the core of medical advances. She spent June 10th to 21st in the lab, gaining insight into what it’s like to be a researcher in biomedicine.
She learned about stem cells and 3D bioprinting of organs and tissues—advances that aim to reduce animal testing and have the potential to shorten transplant waiting lists in the future. She also had the opportunity to put into practice what she had learned at school about the scientific method.
In addition to the science, Núria and Marcel showed her what their day-to-day lives are like and how a laboratory operates. They also provided guidance on the studies and training needed to become a researcher.
Undoubtedly, it was a great and unforgettable experience for Inés!