29 November – 1 December 2026

What decides whether a donor's bone marrow can be given to a patient? Participants type simulated blood samples and use the results to select a compatible donor for the patient. Along the way, they learn why immunological compatibility is critical in stem cell transplantation.

Participants step into the role of toxicologists: they screen simulated samples for drugs and medicines, then use their results to work out what caused the "patient's" symptoms. The session shows how forensic and clinical toxicology labs work.

How fast does an enzyme work, and what controls its speed? Participants measure the rate of an enzyme-catalysed reaction and test how substrate concentration and environmental factors affect it, then plot and interpret their data. This session will be visited by a Nobel laureate.

Urine reveals a lot about the body. Participants run chemical tests (e.g. glucose and protein) on simulated urine samples and use the results to diagnose "patients" in case studies. They learn how the kidneys work and why urinalysis matters in medical diagnosis.

How can we identify an unknown DNA or protein sequence? Using BLAST and international databases, participants search for matches and uncover the relationships and functions of sequences. The session introduces fundamental methods used in bioinformatics research.

Participants must bring a fully charged laptop with Word, Excel and internet access. A mobile phone is not suitable for this session.

The fruit fly (Drosophila) has been at the heart of several Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. Participants examine flies under the microscope, tell males from females, recognise mutant traits and use the results of crosses to work out the rules of inheritance.

How does information stored in DNA become a working hormone? Using LEGO bricks, participants build a step-by-step model of the transcription and translation of the oxytocin gene and the maturation of the hormone. This playful yet scientifically accurate approach helps students understand the process of gene expression.

Participants dissect a pig's eye and uncover its parts with their own hands: the cornea, lens, vitreous body and retina. On a second eye, they then simulate cataract surgery, learning how surgeons remove and replace a clouded lens.

Participants dissect a pig's eye and uncover its parts with their own hands: the cornea, lens, vitreous body and retina. On a second eye, they then simulate cataract surgery, learning how surgeons remove and replace a clouded lens.

How can a disease be detected from just a few drops of sample? Using ELISA, a method widely used in medical diagnostics and research, participants detect an antigen in simulated samples with antibodies and read a colour reaction to decide who is "infected".

How can a disease be detected from just a few drops of sample? Using ELISA, a method widely used in medical diagnostics and research, participants detect an antigen in simulated samples with antibodies and read a colour reaction to decide who is "infected".

How can a disease be detected from just a few drops of sample? Using ELISA, a method widely used in medical diagnostics and research, participants detect an antigen in simulated samples with antibodies and read a colour reaction to decide who is "infected".

Working in groups of three, participants record the electrical activity of their own hearts with Vernier EKG sensors and learn to read the waves of the trace. Beginners are welcome.

Participants must bring a mobile phone with the Vernier Graphical Analysis application (Android or iOS) installed in advance.

How does a cancer cell differ from a healthy one? Participants compare normal and cancerous cells under the microscope, then use a DNA microarray experiment to reveal differences in gene expression. They see how molecular diagnostics helps detect and classify cancer.

The green of a leaf is really a mixture of several pigments. Participants separate plant pigments by paper and thin-layer chromatography, then separate a mixture of amino acids and visualise them with ninhydrin. They identify the components from their Rf values.

How is it possible to observe multiple endpoints during the neutralization of an acid? In this laboratory session, we will investigate the stepwise dissociation of phosphoric acid. Using two different indicators in a single flask, participants will observe the distinct changes associated with the jumps in the pH curve.