Science Expeditions Returns to HSLC

Child standing in front of table holding dolls and toys for medical checkups
Child-life medical play activity

For the first time since 2019, the UW Science Expeditions returned to the Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC) on Sunday, April 10, 2022. The event at HSLC is part of a three-day open house for science at on the UW-Madison campus sponsored by the UW Science Alliance. Now over 20 years old, Science Expeditions is a unique opportunity for members of the community to explore and learn more about the research performed at their land-grant university. Activities include Exploration Stations, interactive table exhibits and activities; Science Spectacular shows; and Destinations for Exploration tours.

Three medical students standing behind a table displaying preserved human organs
Medical students brought human organs for show and tell.

On Sunday, 26 individual teams from the health sciences schools and elsewhere offered Exploration Stations for youth that highlighted health and medical care, alongside fun-with-science, science literacy, and the wonders of plants. In addition, two student-led tours of the School of Pharmacy used HSLC as their jumping off point. These in-person events were complemented by virtual items including an interactive event map and the Science Expeditions YouTube channel.

See our gallery of the 2022 Science Expeditions at HSLC

Organizers estimated attendance at 230-250 people who came as families, couples, and singly for the two hour event. The event was cancelled in 2020 in response to the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic and was held virtually in 2021. Event organizers Laura Hogan (ICTR), Ana Garic (Neuroscience Training Program), and Andrew Lokuta (Kinesiology) worked closely with campus organizers at Science Alliance to host a fun, safe event for 2022.

Woman titrating a blue colored solution in a laboratory.
Hands on activities in the school of pharmacy

Notably, Science Expeditions is an effort led entirely by volunteers who include presenters, organizers, student helpers, and other staff who donate their time and professional talents. Many thanks to you all!

This year’s sponsors at HSLC included:

  • UW-Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
  • UW School of Medicine and Public Health
  • UW School of Pharmacy
  • UW Science Alliance