MSL Reaches Out is a workshop series which aims to develop outreach activities based on the fantastic research happening at the MSL. There are two parts to the program, the creation phase and the implementation phase. Over several weeks in a series of faculty guided workshops, students learn how to transform their research focuses into interactive activities for a lay audience. From neurobiology to biophysics to stem cell engineering, the topics explored draw on the broad range of research projects ongoing at the MSL. Supervised by seasoned scientists and educators Drs. Freda Miller, Dave Ng and Anna Blakney, sessions include brainstorming, activity prototyping and peer-review. During the second phase of the workshop, students implement the outreach activities they have developed in high school classroom settings across the Lower Mainland.
Scientific knowledge translation is a crucial professional skill for leading scientists to develop and one of the MSL’s top priorities. MSL Reaches Out supports trainees in building their science communication skills through interactive, student-led projects. Not only do programs like this teach scientists how to communicate their research to non-experts, but they serve to educate and inspire the next generation of potential scientists.
The program runs every fall beginning in October, with an internal announcement inviting applications in late summer.