Let's Be a Scientist! Project: A Unique Opportunity for Aspiring Young Researchers

The "Let's Be a Scientist!" project, spearheaded by ABE Italy in collaboration with the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) and the Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), offers a remarkable opportunity for outstanding students from ABE Italy schools to step into the shoes of scientists. This initiative allows these talented students to immerse themselves in the world of research for two weeks, guided by a dedicated team of researchers and mentors.

The journey begins with a rigorous selection process. Students from various regions of Italy are chosen based on their knowledge and skills in biology and chemistry, assessed through a comprehensive test featuring questions in both Italian and English. This year, 58 students from 10 different regions competed for one of the six coveted spots available in the program. The competition was fierce, with questions spanning topics such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, and human physiology.

The final selection saw students from the following schools emerge victorious: Liceo Volta of Foggia, Liceo Torricelli of Somma Vesuviana (NA), Liceo Caccioppoli of Scafati (SA), Liceo Einaudi of Siracusa, Liceo Fermi of Ragusa, and Istituto Omnicomprensivo Mattioli-D'Acquisto of San Salvo (CH).

The selected students are then given the unique chance to spend a week fully immersed in the research laboratories of TIGEM, located in Pozzuoli. Here, they work side by side with researchers, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the daily life of a scientist. This full immersion program is designed to ignite their passion for science and provide them with a real-world understanding of the research process.

Each student is paired with a researcher from TIGEM who serves as a mentor, guiding them through various scientific experiments and projects. This mentorship is a crucial element of the program, as it allows students to receive personalized guidance and support throughout their journey.

The "Let's Be a Scientist!" project not only aims to nurture the scientific talents of these young individuals but also to inspire them to pursue careers in scientific research. By providing them with this unique opportunity, ABE Italy, TIGEM, and SSM are investing in the future of science and fostering the next generation of researchers.

In conclusion, the "Let's Be a Scientist!" project is a shining example of how collaboration between educational institutions and research centers can create invaluable opportunities for young minds. It emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience in education and the role of mentorship in shaping future scientists. The success of this program highlights the potential of Italy's young scientific talents and the bright future that lies ahead for them in the world of research.