Monash BDI celebrates student interest for Open Day 2023
Welcoming thousands of prospective students along with their family and friends for Monash University's 2023 Open Day, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute’s (BDI) School of Biomedical Sciences hosted a highly successful in-person Open Day.
On Sunday 6 August, the Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building (BLTB) was alive with visitors who had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with current students and staff at dedicated course information booths, hear about life on campus and immerse themselves in a range of interactive activities across biomedicine’s major discipline areas.
Professor John Carroll, Director of Monash BDI, acknowledged the superb organisation and enthusiasm of both staff and student volunteers in welcoming thousands of visitors to Open Day on-campus.
“Open Day at Monash BDI was a great success, thanks to our staff and students’ passion and dedication. It is so important to provide the inspiration to attract the next generation of scientists into biomedicine.
“Whether dealing with infectious diseases such as COVID, or addressing the health implications that stem from global warming, biomedical scientists’ discoveries will be at the forefront of our response,” Professor Carroll said.
Monash University's Open Day at Clayton campus was highly successful, with entire families attending and participating in a wide variety of not only discipline but extra-curricular activities on offer.
Visitors were able to try their hands at activities which showcased the seven biomedical science disciplines. The activities included correctly placing an organ in anatomical position, attempting to distinguish between pharmaceutical drug names and Pokémon characters, exploring the world of fluorescent proteins and how they’re used in research and creating their own version of a streak plate with puffy paint.
Professor Chris Thompson, Director of Education, Biomedical Sciences, Monash BDI said, “It was fantastic to have prospective students and their families on-campus again for Open Day this year.
“It was a great opportunity for them to explore the campus and learn more about our Biomedical Science programs and the world-leading research of the BDI,” Professor Thompson said.
Visitors explored all three levels of the state-of-the-art laboratories, breakout rooms and the student lounge in the BLTB. More than 100 staff and students were available to speak with visitors on the day and provide tours of the BLTB - Monash’s world-class hub for undergraduate biomedical sciences students.
Several innovations were in place this year to give a sense not only of the study and learning opportunities, but also the life and culture of biomedical education at Monash University. They included an informal opportunity to engage with students in the student lounge, BDI’s own student orchestra performing, and the chance to listen to the inaugural student podcast showcasing student experience.
Natalie Seng, Manager of the BDI Education and Student Support Team (BESST) who coordinated the day’s events, said, “It was a fantastic team effort, working with representatives and our biomed student volunteers across all BDI’s disciplines. I love working with students, they have so much enthusiasm. There’s no better way to learn about the experience than from the people with the lived experience!
“The students were able to share that University wasn’t just about teaching and learning, it’s about a whole-of-life experience that gives value to the time spent at University, providing them with a strong foundation for success in their future careers.”
Sean S, a first-year student of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Program, gave visitors a tour of the BLTB on Open Day, together with Wasami Ali, a third year biomedical science student. Sean said that it was an honour to be a student ambassador on the day.
“Throughout the Open Day, I had the pleasure of meeting aspiring young minds, answering their questions, and sharing insights about the diverse opportunities Monash has to offer.
“Witnessing their enthusiasm and curiosity was immensely rewarding, and I am confident that our interactions left a positive and lasting impact on their journey towards higher education," said Sean.
Monash Open Day was held across Caulfield, Clayton and Peninsula campuses, with an estimated 73,000 guests in attendance, an increase of 11% from 2022. Parkville campus, home to Monash’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences held their Open Day on Sunday 20 August.
Learn more about Monash BDI Education opportunities.
About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Spanning seven discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection, Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.