“Berufs- und Studienorientierung am Gymnasium” (Vocational and educational orientation at the gymnasium) – that’s what the abbreviation BOGY stands for. Students in the 10th grade have the opportunity to gain insight into various areas, topics, professions, or companies during this internship week. The internship is intended to assist them in their search for a suitable course of study or apprenticeship and to provide insights into the professional everyday life.
Together with our µOrgano Lab team, we offer the opportunity to gain insights into our 3R-Center and research on Organ-on-Chip systems as replacement and supplementary methods to animal testing as part of voluntary internships and BOGY internships. In addition to getting to know everyday laboratory life, interns have their first encounters with training and education as well as science communication.
From February 24 to 28, 2025, Annika and Wilhelm completed their BOGY internship with us, gaining deeper insights into our work at the 3R-Center Tübingen and our research at the µOrgano Lab. Julia started her voluntary internship at the same time but will be with us for another week, so we will report on her experience later.
What did you experience during your week with us?
Annika: During the past week, I had the opportunity to gain exciting insights into the work with microphysiological systems at the 3R-Center Tübingen. I worked on preparing tubings for Organ-on-Chip systems, laboratory management using Labguru, and Organ-on-Chip technology in general. I also found the visit to the NMI Reutlingen interesting.
Wilhelm: During my internship at the 3R-Center Tübingen, I got fascinating insights into the work with microphysiological systems. In addition to learning the basics of Organ-on-Chip technology, I became familiar with the 3R principles and gained initial experience with biological and chemical methods. Laboratory management using Labguru was also part of my program.
What interested you the most and why?
Annika: I was most interested in the production of the chips and the seeding of cells.
Wilhelm: I found it particularly exciting to seed chips with cells, build chips myself, and get to know the working methods in research, including cell isolation and media preparation.
Did your internship with us help you in your future career path?
Annika: The internship helped me with my future orientation, as I can very well imagine working in the field of 3R in my later career.
Wilhelm: The internship helped me with my future orientation by giving me insights into everyday research life.
What will you take away from this week?
Annika: I take away valuable research and laboratory experience, have been introduced to various devices in the laboratories, and gained a deeper understanding of the functions of my own body cells.
Wilhelm: I primarily take away the experience of how research works, what tasks are involved in the laboratory, and what everyday life in research looks like.
