Zpannend Zernike 2025: Little Researchers Explore the Secrets of Life!

As part of the national Weekend van de Wetenschap, we welcomed a whopping 1,123 curious visitors aged 7 to 14. It was a day where science truly became child's play, aimed at getting kids excited about science and healthcare in a hands-on, accessible way.

Our enthusiastic team of scientists organized a variety of engaging activities to show kids what real-life research looks like:

• Banana DNA Extraction: Young scientists rolled up their sleeves to extract the fundamental blueprint of life -DNA- from a simple piece of fruit using household items!
• Microscopy: Visitors got a closer look at life itself by examining model organisms through our high-powered microscopes.
• "Doctor Bibber" (Operation): This popular activity gave children a taste of biomedical science, letting them practice the delicate art of "taking blood" from a fake arm and performing mock procedures.
• Scientist Photobooth: Everyone had a chance to transform into a professional researcher, donning lab coats and safety goggles for a perfect memento of their scientific day out.

This event was a massive success thanks to the incredible dedication and hard work of our colleagues from ERIBA, Genetics, and Pediatrics. Your enthusiasm and commitment to inspiring the next generation of researchers truly shone through. We are incredibly grateful to the entire group of enthusiastic volunteers who made this afternoon possible!

We hope to see all our little researchers back again next year!