What does real scientific research outside the classroom feel like in a fully equipped laboratory? And what exactly are phages? These and many other questions were explored by 43 students aged 15 to 19 during this year's Basel Summer Science Academy (BSSA) at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel.
At the heart of the BSSA was the discovery and study of bacteriophages – viruses that infect bacteria. The young researchers followed the entire scientific workflow, from collecting leopard, lion and hippopotamus stool samples at Zoo Basel, to isolating and purifying phages, and finally visualizing them using transmission electron microscopy. The laboratory experience was complemented by professors’ lectures, visits to different research groups and a fun social program, including a boat trip on the Rhine and a chocolate workshop.
Two separate courses instead of one two-week program
To offer greater flexibility for participants and their families, this year's BSSA adopted a new format. Instead of running as a single two-week course at the beginning of the summer holidays, course leader Dominik Buser split the program into two separate one-week courses, held during the first and the last week of the Basel city summer school holidays. A total of 21 students attended the first course and 22 the second.
To ensure an equally immersive scientific experience within a single week, the course was redesigned, says Buser. "We made the laboratory workflow considerably more pragmatic and streamlined. This allowed us to communicate the core message of what it means to do scientific research more clearly, without compromising the scientific depth of the course." The simplified structure enabled participants to focus more on the scientific concepts and the practical laboratory work. "Overall, the feedback from the students was extremely positive," says Buser.
A first-hand look at a scientific career
The students' feedback reflects the success of the new concept. "Working in the lab was very, very fun. I learned a lot and got to ask the professors questions," says Eva from Oberwil Gymnasium. Participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to conduct experiments themselves rather than simply observing researchers at work. "With every experiment, I understood why we were doing it that way. It's very different from what we do at school," says Lilian.
Marharyta, who attends Freies Gymnasium Basel, also valued the close interaction with the course supervisors, all of whom are researchers at the Biozentrum. “Our supervisor told us a lot about his career and how he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees here at the Biozentrum.”
The Summer Science Academy is aimed at high school students with a strong interest in the natural sciences and offers an authentic insight into everyday research. Alongside practical laboratory work, participants meet researchers, learn about scientific career paths and gain valuable guidance for their own study and career choices. The program aims to inspire talented young people to pursue the life sciences and to show them how exciting and diverse scientific research can be.
Applications for the 2027 BSSA edition will open in early spring.
Contact: Communications, Livio Stöckli