Mobile lab to help science education

A well-equipped laboratory is a dream in many an institution, be it college or school, in the country. A project to take a lab to those not fortunate enough to work with sophisticated equipment has taken shape in the form of 'Science Trek'.

The state-of-the-art 'laboratory on wheels', a bio-analytics van, will visit schools and colleges across the state soon. The vehicle will expose students in Karnataka to some of the advanced lab equipment before taking it beyond the state's borders.

The vehicle will not just show students what the equipment are, but will give them a hands-on experience of working with the equipment in the van that include a water purifier for getting 'ultra pure water'.

"The mission of Science Trek is to showcase and demonstrate the latest lab equipment so that children can see for themselves the lab equipment and the technologies of tomorrow," said Sudhir Kant, president, Millipore (India) Pvt Ltd.

Science Trek's main objective is to educate and motivate students. The vehicle and the equipment in it with the air condition cost Rs 25 lakh. The project is a joint effort of Millipore, Eppendorf and Metrohm.

Millipore is a bioprocess and bioscience company, offering solutions that optimise the development and manufacture of biologics.

It provides high performance products and application insights that improve laboratory productivity.

Eppendorf is a biotech firm which develops, produces and distributes systems for use in life-science research laboratories worldwide.

Its product range includes pipettes, dispensers and centrifuges as well as consumables like micro test tubes and pipette tips.

Metrohm is a front runner in providing key tools and the latest emerging technologies in instrumentation important to the advancement of scientific fraternity.

"The students get an opportunity to ask questions and see demonstrations," said Kant. It has presentations and educational materials to help kindle interest in science among students.

The students in rural schools are the worst-hit with no access to even the basic lab equipment and this will be a boon to such students, added Kant.