UM Health Sciences Camp Ignites Secondary Students’ Passion for Scientific Research

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at the University of Macau (UM) organised two health sciences summer camps, attracting over 70 senior secondary students from 36 schools in Macao. The camps featured interactive teaching methods, allowing students to learn cutting-edge biomedical knowledge and research skills under the guidance of FHS technicians, thus introducing them to the world of scientific research.

At the opening ceremony, Assistant Dean Lijun DI welcomed the participants and encouraged them to actively engage in the activities and acquire new knowledge, while also taking the opportunity to nurture their own interest in health sciences. Associate Professor Terence Chuen Wai POON then introduced students to the fundamentals of biomedical science, its scope of application, and new technologies. He also shared the latest research progress and achievements of the faculty.

As in previous years, the summer camp adopted the theme of ‘Bio-Detectives’, covering fundamental biomedical science knowledge, the latest research findings, and the application of relevant technologies, such as genetic mapping identification techniques and the establishment of experimental animal models. Under the guidance of FHS technicians, participants conducted hands-on experiments, gaining valuable practical experience and deepening their understanding of scientific knowledge.

Hong Man LUI, a student from Colégio Diocesano de São José 6 (Chinese Section), said that attending the summer camp helped her realise that UM possesses excellent educational and research resources. The event provided her with the opportunity to learn how to use a pipette with precision, as well as to handle experimental samples on a sterile workbench—making her feel like a professional researcher. She was also surprised to discover that, contrary to her previous belief that laboratory animals only included mice, zebrafish are in fact similar to humans in some respects and can therefore be used as animal models for experiments. Hok Hin CHAN, a student from Pui Ching Middle School, remarked that the camp’s activities were very enriching. In addition to learning about the latest applications of fluorescent proteins, he realised that bioinformatics analysis methods can be applied to human genes, which has further strengthened his keen interest in bioinformatics and his intention to pursue related programmes.

FHS has organised summer camps for several consecutive years, providing students with opportunities to learn biomedical knowledge and techniques, inspiring their interest in scientific research, and encouraging them to pursue their dreams of exploring the mysteries of life with enthusiasm and curiosity.