The BDI has developed a number of initiatives for both 2nd level teachers and students with the aim of introducing them to the world of scientific research. The E & O laboratory is fully equipped with materials for biomedical experimentation and welcomes students and teachers to visit. Additional initiatives designed for 2nd level students and teachers are outlined below:

Transition Year Workshops:
This 3-day interactive workshop looks at the development of future diagnostic devices. Students will gain an understanding of how the work by different research groups ties together to create a lab-on-a-chip!
During the workshop students will:

• Perform engaging experiments - make and test your own chip
  
• Diagnose a mystery disease
  
• Investigate key areas of BDI research
  
• Get a glimpse of university life
  
• Learn about antibodies and the immune system, polymer technology, and fluid flow

DSI - Debating Science Issues
DSI is a dynamic debating competition which invites young people to engage in debate on the cultural, societal and ethical implications of advances in biomedical science. Open to students in the senior cycle of secondary school, the competition aims to encourage young people to take an active interest in biomedical science and engage with contemporary research.
DSI – Debating Science Issues is funded by the Wellcome Trust and co-ordinated by the following research, medical and science centres:

• The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway
  
• Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) at University College Cork
  
• The Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) at Dublin City University
  
• CRANN at Trinity College Dublin
  
• The Royal College of Surgeons Dublin
  
• W5 Interactive Discovery Centre Belfast
  

Teacher Internships
The BDI Teacher Internship programme actively encourages second-level science teachers to participate in research and disseminate their work back into their classroom. Each summer the Institute offers teachers the opportunity to work with our world class scientists and experience current research developments at first-hand.
Key features of the internship include:

• Carry out your own research project
  
• Design new curriculum activities for your own teaching programmes
  
• Disseminate new knowledge and skills to your pupils
  
• Help to stimulate interest in science and technology
  
• Fully funded programme
  

If you would like to find out more about any of the BDI’s Second Level programmes please contact: Clare Scalzo / E: clare.scalzo@dcu.ie / P: 01 700 6444