Tartu Science Night invites you to take a peek into researchers' laboratories

On March 13–14, the Tartu Science Night will take place at Biomedicum. On the first evening, visitors can attend fascinating lectures, while on the second evening, they will have the opportunity to explore the laboratories of researchers from the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Medicine and take part in scientific demonstrations.

On the first evening, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, two lectures will be held at Biomedicum (Ravila 19). Maie Toomsalu, project manager of the Department of Anatomy, will give a talk on the birth and development of pharmacology in Tartu. Additionally, Professor Anti Kalda, a professor of pharmacology and clinical pharmacology, will explain how drugs affect the brain.

On Friday, March 14, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, visitors can participate in scientific demonstrations by University of Tartu researchers. In the Department of Pharmacology, attendees will learn how laboratory animals help in understanding diseases, and they can observe how nerve cells communicate in the lab. In the Department of Physiology, visitors will be introduced to methods used to study the brain. Additionally, all participants will have the chance to visit the molecular biology laboratory and get a glimpse into the daily work of researchers.

The event organizer, Associate Professor of Pharmacology Miriam Ann Hickey, said that as a researcher, it is important for her to show the people of Tartu what her work entails and why it matters. "In the Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, we are highly invested in improving knowledge of disease, based upon robust, careful basic science. Our work uncovers new mechanisms, new pathologies, and increased understanding of diseases of the brain, infectious diseases, and how the body responds to disease. Indeed, we work very closely with the clinic to ensure this."

At last year's event, a quick survey was conducted among participants to gather their opinions about the event. According to Hickey, the attendees were firmly convinced that everyone should take an interest in science.

Möödunud aasta üritusel tehti osalejate seas välkküsitlus, et teada saada, mida nad üritusest arvavad. Hickey sõnul olid teadusõhtul osalejad kindlalt veendunud, et igaüks peaks teadusest huvituma. „It was also very clear that the people of Tartu want even more public science events – we are very happy to oblige!"

The Tartu Science Night has now been held for three years, and the number of participants has grown each year. "We want our event to be a source of reliable, highly informed and easy-to-understand knowledge for the people of Tartu. We are very excited to hear our visitors’ questions and thoughts about our work and about Tartu Science Night!"

The event is free of charge. On March 14, you can play various games and win prizes. Read more about the event on the website of the Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine.

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