Kobe City: Institute of Health Science “One-day Researcher Experience for Elementary School Students” at Kobe City Institute of Health Science

Press Release (August 1, 2023)
Health Science Research Institute, Kobe City Health Department
The Kobe Institute of Health Science was the first in Japan to establish a genome surveillance system for novel coronaviruses, and has detected numerous mutant strains, contributing to measures against the spread of infection.
This time, we will hold an event for 5th and 6th graders to increase their interest in science through a one-day experience of working as a researcher with state-of-the-art analytical instruments.

Purpose of the event

This is the first time since the opening of the institute to offer a one-day experience as a researcher to the public (children), in the hope of raising children’s interest in science and fostering future scientists, as the number of children who are not interested in the sciences continues to decline.

2. Eligibility

　
Fifth and sixth grade elementary school students and their parents
(Applications for participants have been closed.)

3. Contents

(1) Changing into white lab coats to experience

testing for poisonous ingredients in the leaves and bulbs of daffodils, which cause food poisoning every year due to their resemblance to chives

. (2) Laboratory Tour

Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the laboratory by touching advanced analytical instruments and laboratory equipment

. (3) Mini Lecture:

Learn about natural poisons and toxic animals and plants

.

4. Date and Time

August 4, 2023 (Friday)

・Part 1: 9:30 a.m.-0:30 p.m. Participants: 13 groups (31 people

)

・Part 2: 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Participants: 9 groups (22 people

)

*Since the number of applicants exceeded the maximum number, the number of slots has been expanded

.

5. Location

Kobe Institute of Health Science

,

4-6-5 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe City

6. About the press coverage

If you wish to cover the event, please contact the above address in advance.

<Reference

As the scientific and technical core institute for public health administration in Kobe City, the Kobe Institute of Health Science conducts research, testing, training, guidance, and collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, food poisoning, and other health crisis issues that threaten the lives of citizens

.

Recent major research activities

Genomic surveillance of new coronavirus mutants

Research on surveillance of infectious diseases using sewage

Molecular epidemiology of various infectious diseases such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug-resistant bacteria, and Legionella spp.

Research on

analysis of natural toxins Research

on investigation of harmful substances in environmental water and air

Kobe City website (Health Science Institute

) h ttps:// www.city.kobe.lg.jp/a26304/kenko/health/kensa/kih/index.html