SCIence outreach: The example of BIObanks in EUrope

The project “SCIence outreach: The example of BIObanks in EUrope” is an Erasmus+ KA2 project in Cooperation partnerships in Higher Education. The SCIBIOEU project aims to develop a course focusing on the Science Outreach of biobanking, adapted to the need of young scientists and students of Health and Biological Departments of Higher Education Institutions (HEI). It will also develop an innovative Serious Game as an attractive and effective tool for the awareness of the general public in biobanking issues and a digital Guideline Handbook called “Best Practice Guidelines for Science Outreach”.

GOALS

• identify communication gaps between the general public/patients and science; support citizens to better understand the aims of science and biobanking and its usefulness in their lives.
• support students and young scientists to be well-equipped in using effective science outreach strategies and enrich their communication skills.
• develop an e-learning platform including the course that can be easily integrated into HEIs’ platforms.
• support teaching methods of HEIs and other institutions by offering a new course.

RESULTS

1. The “SCIBIOEU course” focuses on the Science Outreach of biobanking including training on communication methods and cultivating students’ and young scientists’ skills in science outreach.
2. An “E-learning platform” including the course that can be easily integrated into HEIs’ platforms.
3. An innovative and attractive “Serious Game on biobanking” as an effective tool for public awareness and training in biobanking issues.
4. A practical digital Guideline Handbook called “Best Practice Guidelines for Science Outreach” focuses on the best practice guidelines for science outreach.

   Project Τitle: “SCIence outreach: The example of BIObanks in EUrope” (SCIBIOEU)

   Project Duration: 15/12/2022 – 14/06/2025 (30 months)

   Project URL: https://scibioeu.eu/

   Project Framework & Funding: This project is co-funded by Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union under grant agreement No. 2022-1-EL01-KA220-HED-000088145. Project lump sum (EUR) 400 000,00 (UNIWA 50.246€)

   Scientific coordinator (UNIWA): Dr. Fotios Spyropoulos

   Consortium – Partners:

   • BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, ACADEMY OF ATHENS (Project coordinator)
   • NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH “DEMOKRITOS”
   • UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA
   • ACCADEMIA EUROPEA DI BOLZANO
   • MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAT GRAZ
   • UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS
   • TURUN YLIOPISTO

    

   Research Publications / Results / Patents

   Within the framework of SCIBIOEU, two digital tools were developed:

   SCIBIOEU E-Learning Course

   It offers an introduction to the fundamental principles of biobanking through videos, texts, and self-assessment quizzes. It is suitable for students, early-career researchers, medical staff, and educators.

   Modules:

   1. General information about biobanks
   2. How samples and data “end up” in a biobank
   3. Consent and biobanking
   4. The need for sample quality and quality management in biobanks
   5. Access to biobank samples and data
   6. ELSI – Regulatory framework of biobanks
   7. Technoethics – Ethical dilemmas in the digital age and biobanks
   8. Introduction to biobank communication

   SCIBIOEU Serious Game

   An interactive simulation game in which players take on the role of a trainee involved in biobank procedures – from providing information and obtaining consent to processing and storing biological samples. It is designed for young citizens and the general public, aiming to raise awareness and promote understanding of the role of biobanks in modern science.

   Both tools are freely available through the official website of the project, and we invite all interested individuals to explore and make use of SCIBIOEU’s digital resources:

   👉 SCIBIOEU E-course on Biobanking (για φοιτητές, νέους ερευνητές, ιατρικό προσωπικό κ.λπ.)

   👉 SCIBIOEU Serious Game on Biobanking (για το κοινό/νέους πολίτες)