“Hearts, tumors, drugs – saving lives in the center – Drug research at Semmelweis University with cells, animals and IT devices” was the topic of the 6 presentations of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Group of our Institute on the occasion of the Researchers’ Night program series organized at the end of September. The more than 40 visitors were able to listen to presentations on “Cell culture assays in cardiovascular and oncological research – heart and tumours in the culture dish, Pet ultrasound in drug research, Artificial intelligence as a painter and the relationship between drug research“, among others, and then had the opportunity to try out what they had heard in our laboratories.
Within the framework of the event, the Cognitive Translational Behavioral Pharmacology Research Group presented animal models of memory and learning phenomena from video recordings, combined with the viewing and testing of learning test equipment under the title “Once upon a time there was a great miracle, its name: Rat School“. “During a “guided tour” consisting of four stations, visitors could learn about various interesting learning tasks invented for rats (“subjects”), see how efficiently they can solve them (“certificate”) and under what load (“schedule”). In addition, of course, we also explained the theoretical background of the tasks, as well as their usefulness: how they are similar and how they differ from human learning situations.
To our great delight, the event was fully booked out (more than 60 people), the visitors took part in our interactive programs with great enthusiasm and interest. The “cascade of questions” of a group of high schoolers was a particularly pleasant experience, who, considering their early career opportunities, wanted to learn as much as possible about the topics of the lectures as well as what the life as a researcher is all about.”
