IUOPA at the 2nd Asturias Science and Innovation Fair
On April 26, the second edition of the “Asturias Science and Innovation Fair” was held in Oviedo at the facilities of the old Fábrica de Armas in La Vega. We did not want to miss this great informative event, so several of our research groups participated in different stands where they exhibited and shared a piece of their laboratories and research. With the institutional support of authorities such as the Hon. Mr. President of the Principality of Asturias, Mr. Adrián Barbón Rodríguez, the Hon. Mr. Minister of Science, Business, Training and Employment, Mr. Borja Sánchez García, or Mr. Magnificent Rector of the University of Oviedo, Mr. Ignacio Villaverde Menéndez, the day began with activities dedicated to Primary and Secondary students, while the Fair opened to the general public in the afternoon so that everyone could enjoy the offered workshops.
In our case, colleagues from eight IUOPA research groups (“Rare Tumors”, “Cancer Epigenetics”, “Molecular Biology of Cancer”, “Head and Neck Oncology”, “Redox Biology and Metabolism in Cancer”, “Tumor Immunology”, “Biotechnology of Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Compounds” and “Biosynthesis of Antitumor Molecules”) proposed varied, dynamic and interactive activities. The objective: to bring the world of research closer in an entertaining and educational way, turning people interested in our stands into scientists for a day.
The public was able to extract DNA from tomatoes or even from their own cells, as well as observe them under a microscope. Even more, they could face the delicious challenge of building a DNA model DNA with jelly beans, or learn scientific terminology through a fun card game. We also wanted to take advantage of the occasion to show some of the activities carried out in a cancer research laboratory, bringing microscopes to the Fair to show biological samples (healthy tissues, tumor cells…), laboratory material to carry out the experiments (pipettes, tubes, racks…), or monitors to enhance the experience and show our own tests. Everything you need to convey the emotion of exploring, experimenting, and discovering.
The Fair has been, once again, the ideal meeting point to make visible and share with society the science we do at the Institute. For the IUOPA it was a true pleasure to share experiences and answer questions and concerns, helping students and the general public understand the fundamental elements and procedures of research and the scientific method. In short, dedicate a wonderful day to disseminating our work.
Don’t miss the next edition! From the IUOPA we want to thank you for the high participation and the great curiosity you showed. For our part, we will continue participating so we can bring our research closer to people and perhaps awaken a scientific vocation among the little ones. We promise there will be no shortage of jelly beans!
