Until recently, visualizing many of the processes underlying human diseases had been almost impossible. The NIH IRP’s role in developing technologies that can peer into human organs and cells is a key component of the Long-Term Intramural Research Program Planning Report and basis of sessions during this year’s #ResearchFest.
With the Long-Term IRP Planning Report in hand, the 28th annual NIH Research Festival committee organized the 2015 event around the theme of A Celebration of Intramural Science to honor not only what has been achieved but also what is yet to come.
As I trekked along the manicured sidewalk of Convent Drive, heading toward Building 10, I felt the now-familiar weight of the poster tube hanging over my shoulder. Inside that poster tube was, as the name implies, a scientific poster with which I was extremely familiar. My calves burned underneath the intensity of my power walk, as I remained calm and ready to present my project about mice undergoing anesthesia.
Every summer, the NIH hosts about 1,100 interns with interests across the biomedical spectrum. After working full-time within labs and clinics of the Intramural Research Program, interns wrap up their summer at NIH by unrolling scientific posters for an end-of-season sharing session about their research.
Most researchers have had conversations with non-scientist friends or family members that start with a seemingly innocent question: “So, what are you working on?” Answering directly can be a challenge, especially in basic biomedical research. What is the best way for scientists to share exactly what they’re studying, why, and how? NIH’s Three-Minute Talks (TmT) program just completed its second annual competition, aiming to help early career scientists develop the skills to wow and inform people they meet.
The Intramural Research Programs within 24 NIH Institutes and Centers offer a rich calendar of events highlighting research by people who are often leaders in their fields. One of this year’s great lectures is available to watch in the video linked below—its content very compelling, considering the social science research that many of our IRP scientists conduct.
If 580 posters displaying scientific data from research across the intramural programs at 24 NIH Institutes and Centers sounds like a lot to take in, have a look at the size of the crowds coming to see them. Walking into the Natcher Conference Center on Postbac Poster Day is like walking into a maze abuzz with urgency. Bulletin board after bulletin board of postbac research posters summarize months of work, each one surrounded by fellow scientists, NIH staff, and visitors staff who are interested in the research and asking questions.
Most workplaces would never think of having hawks, turtles, beetles and stick bugs at an event for kids—but most workplaces are not the National Institutes of Health. Each year, the NIH Bethesda campus holds its Earth Day celebration in conjunction with Take Your Child to Work Day. Employees share their love of science with their kids while also learning about how to protect the environment.
So, it happened, the day the NIH community was waiting for: Postbac Poster Day. The Bethesda campus buzzed with anticipation, and the postbacs did not disappoint. With 580 poster presenters, a lot of research projects and science was shared.