HUNTER medical researchers will throw the doors open to give the region’s children an insight into their work next Friday.
The sixth Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Open Day on October 12 is expected to draw more than 3000 people to the John Hunter Hospital campus for a range of interactive events.
A Lung Loft will bring bacteria and viruses, sneezing and other aspects of the respiratory system to life.
“It’s a fun display with lots of slime but also a serious intent, which is to educate people about viral and bacterial infections, including how to treat them,” researcher Kelly Steel said.
“We’ll also let people know about the importance of masks, hand-washing and simple tricks like sneezing into your elbow, which all stop the spread of airway disease.”
A 2017 open day hit, the Poo Room, will be upgraded to a palace this year to examine the importance of diet, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
A Super Science program geared towards girls between 10 and 15 will also be on hand.
HMRI acting director Laureate Professor Paul Foster said the event offered a chance to showcase research beyond the institute’s walls.
“The open day is a fun and fascinating way of promoting the world-class research being done in the Hunter, while showing community members exactly how their support over the past 20 years is making a difference,” he said.
“With booths, research seminars, science activities and lab tours taking place throughout the day, we’ve got the latest in science, innovation and wellbeing on display.”
The open day runs from 10am to 3pm.
