Today marks the beginning of another edition of the Ciência Viva no Laboratório summer internships at GHTM | IHMT NOVA, taking place from 3 to 7 August. Throughout the week, participating students will have the opportunity to experience the day-to-day work of GHTM researchers through two immersive programmes focused on vector-borne infectious diseases.
In the internship “PSI – Parasite Scene Investigation: Leishmaniasis Under Investigation”, students take on the role of researchers investigating a suspected case of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies that affects both humans and animals, including dogs. During the programme, participants will apply a range of laboratory techniques—including parasitological, serological and molecular methods—to identify the parasite responsible for the infection. They will also visit the insectary to learn about the biology and life cycle of disease vectors and their role in disease transmission.
The second internship, “The Bite That Hides a Mystery: Investigating Lyme Borreliosis Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.”, focuses on Lyme borreliosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through the bite of Ixodes ticks. Working through a suspected clinical case, students will use morphological identification, DNA extraction and amplification, and serological testing to investigate the causative agent, understand the laboratory diagnostic process, and discuss the likelihood of infection. The programme also explores vector biology, disease epidemiology, and strategies for prevention and control.
More than a laboratory experience, these internships provide participants with first-hand insight into scientific research, offering a unique opportunity to discover the work carried out at GHTM | IHMT NOVA and to understand how research contributes to the diagnosis, surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases.
By participating in the Ciência Viva no Laboratório programme, GHTM | IHMT NOVA reaffirms its commitment to promoting scientific culture and inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in research and global health.
To learn more about this program, visit Ciência Viva’s website: CiênciaViva no Laboratório
«Ciência Viva» is the branded name of the Portuguese National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture, meaning «Live Science».
