As summer comes to an end, we look back on one of its highlights: the Ciência Viva “Science in the Lab” programme, which brought eight secondary school students to IHMT-NOVA between 15 and 25 July. Guided by GHTM researchers, the students had the chance to step into the shoes of scientists and discover the world of tropical diseases, biotechnology, and entomology.
Scientific Insect Collections with Biomedical Relevance
Three 10th-grade students joined Filipe Lopes to explore the role of insect collections in medical research. After a short introduction to entomology, they were able to try out the full process themselves, from setting traps to capture insects, to preparing and preserving specimens, labeling and digitizing them. They even went beyond the original plan by extracting DNA from insects, gaining insight into how these collections support modern research on vector-borne diseases.
Exploring Biotechnology and Tropical Diseases
Two students worked with Inês Sena Lopes on the internship “Exploring the World of Biotechnology and Tropical Diseases!”. Their week combined hands-on lab work with broader reflections on science and health. They observed parasites such as Plasmodium and Trypanosoma brucei, extracted DNA from different sources, and applied molecular techniques like PCR and gel electrophoresis. They also visited IHMT’s animal house and insectaries, seeing how laboratory research connects to the study of global health challenges. The experience aimed not only to build technical skills, but also to spark curiosity about scientific careers and the role of research in tackling tropical diseases.
PSI – Parasite Scene Investigation
From 21 to 25 July, four students took part in “PSI – Parasite Scene Investigation: Scientist for a Week”, coordinated by Sofia Cortes. Focusing mainly on leishmaniases, but also touching on malaria and sleeping sickness, the programme gave participants a complete laboratory experience. They practiced safety routines, prepared and examined samples under the microscope, and tested both serological and molecular methods for diagnosing infections. Collaboration and teamwork were key throughout the week, with students sharing results and wrapping up their learning through presentations and a final kahoot quiz. The week was as much about building knowledge as it was about showing the excitement of research in parasitology.
The students’ feedback spoke for itself: they left more motivated, more curious, and with a taste of real research. For GHTM, the Ciência Viva programme is more than summer activities — they are a way of building bridges between today’s researchers and tomorrow’s, and a fitting way to close the summer on a note of discovery.
