A first step to biomedical research

12th May 2018 – A science outreach programme, A first step to biomedical research, was conducted at INFORMM, USM Main Campus. A total of 19 students from various secondary schools (SM Al-Itqan, SMK Bukit Jambul, SMK Chung Ling, SMK Han Chiang, Maahad Tahfiz Sains Tanah Merah, SMK Penang Free, SM Sains Kepala Batas, Prince of Wales Island International School and MRSM Balik Pulau) participated in the programme. The programme aimed to expose the participants to the daily life of a biomedical research

scientist. They underwent hands-on activities – bioinformatics, DNA plasmid extraction from bacterial cells for gene cloning, histopathology microscopy for cancer diagnosis, rapid diagnostics assay and basic microbiology in our daily lives. It is hoped that the experiential learning activities will enable the participants to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the field of biomedical research, and potentially lead to them pursuing a career in biomedicine.