Year 10 GTAC ‘Unlocking Cancer Research through Stem Cells’ Excursion

On March 14th, selected Yr. 10 students attended the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) for the ‘Unlocking Cancer Research through Stem Cells’ Excursion, as part of the world celebrations for UniStem Day.

During this excursion, students learned about the ‘real science’ of stem cell research and what it holds for the future, including how the manufacture and use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) supported future research and treatment of complex cancers.

Our students heard from young PhD students and post-graduate researchers from MCRI about their career pathways, the part of the blood or immune system they were studying, and how they hoped to help children with diseases such as leukemia, diabetes and brain tumours.

Students also participated in a series of hands-on activities to study blood development and diseases using stem cells; discussed the ethics surrounding stem cells, and explored how language, art and science merged to communicate these discoveries with the public. 

Photographs of the activities that were completed during the excursion are included.

Carolyn Drenen

Learning Area Leader – Science; STEAM Co-ordinator; Teacher of Chemistry, Science and Mathematics