Alterungsforschung Hands-On

In the two-year project "Aging Research Hands-On", students from peripheral, rural regions will be introduced to academic aging research. Within the framework of this project, scientists will share insights into research activities, show strategies for maintaining health during aging, and present new career and training paths. Facilitating communication at various levels, the project begins with scientists delivering instructional content on aging research through an interactive educational platform. This phase aims to equip both students and teachers with the necessary knowledge for subsequent hands-on sessions. Supported by the scientists, students will carry out various methods of aging research, such as microscopy and drug testing on nematodes, within the framework of the Flying Aging Labs at their schools. Subsequently, they will discuss aspects of aging research with the scientists. Collaboratively, students and scientists will present aging research methods to a wider audience during the Long Night of Research at a designated partner school. Additionally, students and teachers will be invited to the Aging Symposium for the Youth at the Medical University of Graz. This symposium serves as a forum for students to delve into current issues in aging research through discussions with scientists. Moreover, students from natural science disciplines will share their educational paths, while university personnel will showcase diverse roles within academic research. Highly interested high school students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience during summer internships at the Medical University of Graz, enabling them to generate data for their pre-scientific work. This project aims to connect young people from peripheral, rural middle and high schools to academic aging research. Consequently, this initiative aims to fortify understanding of aging research and scientific activities, unveiling new educational and career prospects. The collaboration between the Medical University of Graz and partner schools is envisioned to expand and deepen in subsequent projects, fostering a sustained exchange.