Rosendalsgymnasiet students report on the Faculty’s research for better drugs

One morning in April, 30 students from Rosendalsgymnasiet’s Natural Science programme visited the Department of Pharmacy. The focus of the visit was conversations with researchers about pharmaceuticals and the conditions of scientific research. Following the meeting, each student was assigned to write a popular science article about the topic they had discussed. The students’ reports can now be read in the magazine Forskning som gör skillnad (Research that makes a difference).

“Rosendalsgymnasiet contacted us with a request for a meeting between students from their Biotechnology profile and our researchers. The response from our department was overwhelmingly positive, and we had 15 researchers present who shared their work and experiences with the students. They were both enthusiastic and curious, and all colleagues I have spoken with were very pleased with the day,” says Mats Karlsson, Professor of Pharmacometrics.

In the magazine, the students report on topics ranging from breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research to the development of virtual patients. Based on their discussions with researchers at the Department of Pharmacy, the students describe ongoing efforts to develop better drugs and contribute to more equitable healthcare.

“This is important for the students, as they get the opportunity to meet researchers working on exactly the same questions we discuss in the classroom. Since the students are also approaching the transition into working life, we hope that this meeting will inspire them and provide insights into what they may do in the future. We would like to to thank the department for this wonderful opportunity,” say Emma Larsson and Sofie Mellberg, teachers of biology and biotechnology.

At the Faculty of Pharmacy, which each year educates more than 1,200 future pharmaceutical experts, efforts continue to inspire young people’s interest in knowledge and education. The Faculty is currently preparing its participation in the science festival SciFest, and on 23 November, 2,000 high school students will be welcomed to the third edition of Kunskap För Livet at the Uppsala University Grand Auditorium.

“We consistently prioritise our outreach activities, where school visits are an essential component. We truly hope that both Rosendalsgymnasiet and other schools will return for more visits – and not least that we will welcome these students back as students in our degree programmes,” says Anja Sandström, Deputy Dean for First and Second Cycle Education.

Watch the video from the meeting

text & photo: Magnus Alsne