Families discover research at the BPRC during the Dutch Weekend of Science

The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), an EARA Member in Rijswijk, the Netherlands, hosted around 100 visitors during the Dutch Weekend of Science. 

The Weekend of Science (in Dutch: Weekend van de Wetenschap) took place on 4 and 5 October and is aimed at 8 to 18 year olds. On 5 October, BPRC opened its doors to give visitors a closer look at the work of researchers, how monkeys are cared for and the role they play in biomedical studies. Scientists, caretakers, veterinarians, the colony manager and students guided guests through interactive activities, including pipetting, observation experiments, measuring heart rates and performing a simple DNA test. 

Lise visited BPRC with her family today: “I think it’s important for children to learn about science and the ethical dilemmas that sometimes come with it.” 

Merel Langelaar, director of BPRC: “It’s wonderful to be able to open our doors like this. We’re happy to show what kind of research we do and how we do it. Because by being open about research involving animals, we show that there’s nothing secretive about it at all.”