Opening the doors to students: a journey into science at Polo GGB

Polo GGB opened its doors to local high school students with the aim of bringing young people closer to the world of scientific research and raising awareness about malaria and vector control. Through direct interaction with our researchers, students are introduced to the innovative technologies and research projects carried out at Polo GGB, including the scientific work developed within the Target Malaria project.

Over the years, the initiative has become an important educational opportunity for the local community, promoting a greater understanding of malaria and of the scientific approaches used in vector control. Each edition involves the entire team, who actively contribute to organizing talks, laboratory activities, and interactive learning stations designed to make science engaging and accessible.
During the Open Days, students attend presentations led by Polo GGB researchers on malaria, vector control, and ongoing scientific activities. They also take part in a series of interactive experiences, where they can learn about the Plasmodium parasite, explore the mosquito life cycle by observing wild-type mosquitoes at different developmental stages, and discover molecular biology techniques such as cloning and PCR protocols.

Selected groups of students are also invited to visit the laboratories, where they can experience the daily work carried out by researchers and gain deeper insight into our scientific activities.
The enthusiasm shown by both students and teachers over the years is what motivates us to continue organizing this event annually. What started as a standalone initiative has now become a well-established and much appreciated educational opportunity, regularly requested by local schools due to its positive impact and continued success.

We have just concluded this year’s sessions, and it was a pleasure to meet so many enthusiastic students and professors and to share the passion that drives our researchers every day.
We look forward to welcoming a new group of curious young minds next year for another exciting edition of Polo GGB Open Days.