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MicroMundo@UPorto: an experimental microbiology project fostering student's antimicrobial resistance awareness and
Patrícia Antunes1,2, Carla Novais2,3, Ângela Novais2
1Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto. Rua do Campo Alegre, 823 / 4150-180 Porto Portugal.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global societal challenge requiring the contribution of professionals along with general community citizens for their containment. Portugal is one of the European countries where a lack of knowledge on the correct use of antimicrobials and AMR problematic is preeminent. Moreover, youth demotivation to pursue science careers is emerging. To address these problems an innovative experimental service-learning pedagogical strategy, MicroMundo@UPorto, was implemented in Portugal during 2018 through University of Porto as a partner of the global Citizen Science project 'Tiny Earth' responding to the AMR crisis. In this first edition of MicroMundo@UPorto, university students (n = 41; Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nutrition Sciences) organized in eight teams tutored by university professors/researchers (n = 13) on Microbiology and AMR theoretical and practical aspects as well on communication skills to enable their guidance of younger school students (n = 140/3 schools) in experiments to discover antimicrobial-producing microorganisms while exploring the soil microbial diversity. Post-survey-based evaluation revealed that this project allowed university students to acquire diverse personal, social and scientific skills while increasing AMR awareness, in the One-Health perspective, and interest for science in school students. This University to Society approach can be successfully extended across Portugal and for education in Microbiology in general, with benefits for the future generations contributing to socially responsible and scientifically-literate citizens.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness and interest in science careers were boosted in Portugal through the MicroMundo@UPorto citizen science project. University students educated younger students on AMR and microbiology, fostering essential skills and scientific literacy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Citizen Science
- Science Education
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global challenge, particularly in Portugal, due to widespread knowledge gaps.
- There's a growing concern about declining youth interest in science careers.
- Citizen science initiatives are crucial for engaging the public in addressing scientific challenges like AMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement an innovative service-learning strategy, MicroMundo@UPorto, to address AMR and science career demotivation.
- To enhance university students' skills in microbiology, AMR, and science communication.
- To foster scientific literacy and AMR awareness in younger students through hands-on experiments.
Main Methods:
- University students (n=41) from Pharmaceutical and Nutrition Sciences participated in the MicroMundo@UPorto project.
- Students were mentored by professors (n=13) on microbiology and AMR, and communication skills.
- University students guided younger students (n=140) in soil microbial diversity exploration and antimicrobial discovery experiments.
Main Results:
- University students gained personal, social, and scientific skills.
- AMR awareness, from a One Health perspective, was significantly increased.
- School students showed heightened interest in science and a better understanding of AMR.
Conclusions:
- The MicroMundo@UPorto project successfully enhanced AMR awareness and scientific engagement.
- This University-to-Society model is effective for microbiology education and can be scaled across Portugal.
- The initiative cultivates socially responsible and scientifically literate future generations.