Day of Immunology – pupils at DRFZ

On 26 April 2024, 53 students from grades 6 and 9 visited us to learn more about the immune system and perform their own experiments.

We first explained the meaning of the most important white blood cells to the children. They learned how phagocytes and killer cells protect us from pathogens and why we don’t get sick all the time, even though we are surrounded by infectious bacteria and viruses every day. As the DRFZ focuses in rheumatology research, it was also important for us to explain that the immune system occasionally goes “rouge” and attacks the body. It was great to see that many children, even of primary school age, are already familiar with immune cells and have heard of rheumatic diseases.

The pupils then had the opportunity to perform their own experiments in our laboratories. They extracted their own DNA from their saliva. To do this, they first collected their spit and then pipetted reagents to precipitate the DNA, which they could then take home in a tube. In a second lab, they stained fresh blood cells and looked at them under the microscope.

Teachers, children and our employees all had a lot of fun. It was an exciting day full of discoveries and new experiences for everyone!

The Day of Immunology is an initiative of the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) and takes place annually on 29 April in various scientific institutions across Europe. The DRFZ has been participating in this event for many years.

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