Medical research as an experience: “Science for everyone!” research festival at the MedUni Vienna

(Vienna 21st September 2011) On Friday, 7th October, the MedUni Vienna is inviting people to the medical university campus at the general hospital and offering unique insights into the research work carried out by scientists in Vienna. Between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., the "SCIENCE for everyone!" research festival will be offering exciting guided tours through research laboratories, with numerous interactive stations, an entertaining programme for children with “teddy bear resuscitation” and Children’s Uni, as well as the Science Lounge with molecular drinks and snacks. This medical research experience is available for a whole afternoon completely free of charge!

“With tours through research laboratories, presentations and information stands on our focal areas of research, we are offering an informative and entertaining programme of events for the entire family and showcasing the achievements that the scientists of the MedUni Vienna are making for all of us", says rector Wolfgang Schütz, explaining the idea behind "SCIENCE for everyone!".

Experiencing research truly up close
In the high-tech laboratories, “genes are analysed”, “cells are counted and sorted” or “defence cells are analysed”. In the “Watching the brain thinking” workshop, psychiatrists and nuclear medicine scientists will be offering insights into their shared research project in which they are researching molecular processes within the brain.

One of the numerous stations in Science Alley is the 7 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner, whose magnetic field is 140,000 times more powerful than the earth’s magnetic field. On it, scientists from Vienna who are leading figures in this field are developing new methods of analysing tissue structures within the body. Registrations for all tours can be made on site. Every quarter of an hour, a tour will depart into the realm of medical research. There is also a plethora of entertainment, such as the Alumni Club competition, information stands on topics such as cancer research, dermatology, the “gene puzzle”, brain research and exciting presentations on the stage in the festival marquee.

Patrick Mayrhofer, who was given a bionic hand prosthesis last year at the MedUni Vienna, will also be attending the research festival. His story was a global media phenomenon and included interviews with the BBC, appearances on German TV shows such as "Menschen der Woche" by "Wetten dass ..." creator Frank Elstner and a visit to ZiB24 in ORF. Patrick and his team from the MediUni Vienna will be showing off the functions of his bionic hand.

Cuddly toys to take away
Children will be delighted by “SCIENCE for everyone!”, and especially by the big teddy bear resuscitation event. Cuddly toys will be provided and, after a first aid course, can be taken home for some TLC. Also included will be a bone puzzle.

Making science fun
The Science Slam, being held from 7 p.m. onwards, will provide and informative and entertaining end to the day: young scientists will present their research work in an unconventional way – and the audience will vote on which they think is the best presentation.

“SCIENCE for everyone!” - the research festival at the MedUni Vienna
7.10.2011 from 2 p.m. at the Medical University of Vienna, Medical University Campus - General Hospital Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna. Admission free. 

» www.sciencedabei.at