The Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Genomics at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), the Department of Genetics and Microbiology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and the science outreach platform La Ciencia Al Teu Món have launched a pilot program of citizen science activities through molecular biology practicals, which can also serve as a resource for research projects by high school students. This program is publicly funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and the General CSIC Foundation.
Citizen Fly Lab is a mobile molecular biology laboratory that allows young people from locations that, due to their geographic situation, cannot participate in the collection or classification of samples to take part in the #MelanogasterCTF project. The experimental data they generate will help validate predictions made by scientists in the European DrosEU network. The program was created in response to requests from participants in our #MelanogasterCTF outreach activities who, until now, could not join the project because they did not live in rural areas.
As a mobile lab, in its pilot phase it will be installed in formal and informal education centers in Barcelona under the direct supervision of researchers from the Functional and Evolutionary Genomics Group (IBE, CSIC-UPF). The laboratory will be fully equipped to perform DNA extraction and amplification, including a DNA amplification machine (PCR), an electrophoresis gel for visualizing results, and pipettes and reagents for DNA extraction and amplification. With this equipment, students will collaborate in the experimental validation of new genetic variants already identified by the scientists. They will also become familiar with the data validation process, which is central to scientific research, while generating useful data for DrosEU researchers.
The call is now open to participate in the pilot Citizen Fly Lab program, which will allow students to see the work conducted in a molecular biology laboratory and also provide initial contact with teachers who may be interested in temporarily hosting the mobile Citizen Fly Lab in their schools.
During the 2020–2021 school year, the mobile Citizen Fly Lab will be installed at the Instituto Milà i Fontanals in Barcelona. The program includes an initial joint online session introducing the project before the laboratory research sessions, which will take place between April and May. Students must be accompanied to the mobile Citizen Fly Lab by their supervising teacher. Finally, students and their supervising teachers will have direct contact with the research staff for specific questions via email or videoconference until June.
The registration form can be accessed through this link. The deadline for applications is March 15, and admissions will be announced on March 22. Applications require a supporting letter from the supervising teacher and a statement from the students outlining their interests and motivations in the research topic. For health safety reasons, priority will be given to participants from the same school “bubble group” and the metropolitan area of Barcelona.
