Inspiring the future generation: e-Meet a Biomedical Scientist 2024

As part of National Science week we shared our Biomedical expertise with secondary schools around Victoria through our e-Meet a Biomedical Scientist program. Offering the next generation of prospective biomedical scientists a rare glimpse into the lives of our world-leading researchers – in essence bridging the gap between classroom learning and the lab.

This year, high school students from over 30 secondary schools across metropolitan and rural Victoria had the unique opportunity to connect with our passionate researchers – hearing about what it's like to tackle real-life biomedical challenges and develop transformative health treatments and vaccines, all within our School of Biomedical Sciences, located in the heart of the largest biomedical precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sessions were not only a learning experience but also a glimpse into students own possible future studies and careers as biomedical scientists.

Classrooms bubbled with questions, from the mysteries of prions to the intricacies of cancer cells, from the pathways to becoming a biomedical scientist to the fascinating technology of cryo-electron microscopy.

Students gained hands-on experience and insight into how biomedical scientific knowledge evolves into real-life careers, groundbreaking technologies, and a lifelong passion for Biomedicine.

Just one of the many highlights of the program involved Dr Michelle Christie's session with students at Glen Eira College. Dr Christie, a protein biochemist and structural biologist, opened the curtains on her research, demonstrating the power of x-ray crystallography and microscopy in determining protein structures.

^{Dr Michelle Christie showing students examples of use x-ray crystallography technical and microscopy to determine protein structures.}

Coming from a disadvantaged regional area I wasn’t provided with opportunities such as this so I loved the opportunity of inspiring youth to consider pursuing careers in science… what made it even more special was how engaged the students were, they asked so many thoughtful questions!

^{- Cait Beddows, matched with Genazzano FCJ College}

Other participants such as Dr David Fineberg, a clinician and researcher with extensive experience across various institutions in Australia who captivated students with his research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and ultimately the diverse pathways within biomedicine.

A year 10 student shared, “the presentation covered complex topics, as science often does, but it was incredibly interesting—especially the sections on cancer research and the advanced machines that help make scientific work more efficient".

^{Dr David Fineberg presenting his research to students at Glen Eira College.}

Passion is the driving force at the heart of biomedical sciences, and it all begins with igniting that initial spark of curiosity in the young minds of future scientists.

Postdoctoral researcher Dr Mitchell Ringuet had the opportunity to visit Yarrawonga College, sharing his work on G protein-coupled receptor interactions with students and the different pathways to becoming  a biomedical scientist. Alongside his biomedical interests, Mitchell also shared his hobby as an amateur tarmac rally driver.

"[Mitchell] delivered an inspiring and informative talk. The students have a better knowledge of what it is like to be a Biomedical scientist, and there are already some students considering this area of study or Science" – Yarrawonga College.

The program provides a unique chance to spark curiosity and foster collaboration between current and future generations — a core value that undeniably drives scientific progress and embodies one of the missions at the School of Biomedical Sciences.

As we close the chapter on this year’s e-Meet a Biomedical Scientist, we also look forward to the next edition where even more young minds will be inspired to explore the world of biomedical science.

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