Laboratory Open Day

In response to the call of the National Action Plan for Scientific Literacy and to implement the society's annual theme of "Bringing Science into Life" , the Brain and Intelligence Research Institute, in collaboration with the Synapse and Neural Plasticity Branch of the Chinese Society for Neuroscience, jointly hosted the "Laboratory Open Day" event on September 27. Themed "Exploring Brain Science Research," the event attracted nearly 200 students and parents, who spent a scientific journey filled with discovery and fun.

The event kicked off with a welcome and introduction by Assistant Professor Xian ZHANG. Prof. ZHANG introduced the research fields and objectives of the Brain and Intelligence Research Institute to the visitors, using vivid and engaging language to popularize basic concepts of brain science for the children. The event featured three main segments: a popular science lecture and interactive games on brain knowledge, laboratory tours and hands-on experiences, and an observation session of experimental animals in the animal facility.

The popular science lecture was conducted by undergraduate volunteers through fun mini-classes. First, we watched an animated short film about brain knowledge with the children, followed by a sharing session on synthetic biology. During the interactive segment, the university students used engaging and interesting scientific games to help the children gain a preliminary understanding of the miraculous functions of the brain and the field of synthetic biology.

Guided by the team leaders and assisted by their parents, the children had the opportunity to step into the Brain and Intelligence Research Institute , gaining real insights and practical experiences in a scientific research environment.

During this visit, the children personally observed the microstructures of various types of specimens under upright fluorescence microscopes. They also used stereoscopic fluorescence microscopes to observe red and green fluorescent worms, allowing them to "explore" the fascinating microscopic world firsthand.

At the same time, senior students in the laboratory shared some interesting results from mouse behavioral experiments with the children. Through lively and accessible explanations, they further sparked the children's interest in brain science research.

The team leaders then guided the children and their parents to visit the Laboratory Animal Facility. During this visit, we introduced experimental animals such as white mice, black mice, and clawed frogs to the participants. The children also gained a basic understanding of the important role experimental animals play in scientific research and educational activities.

Finally, Assistant Professor Li TAO concluded the Open Day , "May every young visitor take away a sense of curiosity and quietly plant the seeds of 'future scientists' in their hearts. The vast world of science holds endless surprises, waiting for us to explore together".

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every visitor. The laboratories came to life with your footsteps: every curious question from the children ignited sparks in the air. The staff of the Brain and Intelligence Research Institute and the Laboratory Animal Facility, along with iGEM volunteers, worked together to translate professionalism into fun. Thank you for this encounter, where rigor and laughter shared the spotlight. We look forward to our next gathering!