Initiative by USP’s Institute of Biomedical Sciences and CEPID B3 encouraged students from SESI Mauá to explore science and pathways to public higher education

On May 29, the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB) at the University of São Paulo (USP) visited SESI Mauá, located in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. The activity, carried out as part of the #Adote Project – an initiative of the Center for Research on Bacteria and Bacteriophages (CEPID B3/FAPESP) – brought together around 100 senior high school students for a program focused on science communication, vaccination, and encouraging access to public higher education. The initiative reinforced the university’s role in outreach and public engagement, helping to bring science closer to students and inspiring the training of future professionals in the field.

The event, titled Viruses and Vaccines, featured theoretical presentations, hands-on activities, and interactive dynamics on immunology, viral diseases, and vaccine development. Throughout the program, students learned about how the immune system works, the process of vaccine production, and the importance of annual influenza vaccination.

In addition to the presentations, students participated in immersive activities and a quiz-style game (“True or False”) addressing topics such as vaccination, scientific misinformation, and health-related fake news. The goal was to stimulate critical thinking and make science more accessible and engaging.

After the scientific activities, participants attended a short presentation on pathways to public higher education, including the FUVEST exam, ENEM/SiSU system, and inclusion policies. This moment aimed to bring students closer to the university environment and expand their understanding of access opportunities. The impact of the activity was reflected in participants’ feedback, with one student describing it as a “very good and informative event” that “encourages pursuing a university degree”.

The #Adote Project team also took part in the vaccination campaign promoted by SESI Mauá, receiving the influenza vaccine offered during the event. This initiative reinforced, in practice, the importance of immunization as a public health strategy – one of the central themes discussed throughout the program.

Measurable outcomes

As part of the evaluation, students completed questionnaires before and after the event. Most participants already showed a high level of interest in attending university prior to the intervention, and this level remained high afterward. Some students reported an increased interest following the event, suggesting that the initiative helped strengthen connections between students and the university environment.

The final evaluation also revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback. Frequently used expressions included “I really liked it”, “amazing”, “well explained”, “fun”, “interesting,” and “I loved it”, highlighting both student engagement and the effectiveness of the strategies used to connect scientific concepts with everyday life.

Participants also shared their areas of professional interest, revealing a wide diversity of career choices, especially in health sciences, technology, engineering, and the humanities. The most frequently mentioned programs included Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Psychology, Medicine, Data Analysis, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, and Physiotherapy. These results underscore not only the diversity of student interests but also the importance of outreach initiatives in broadening awareness of academic and professional pathways.

Organization

The visit was organized with support from the #Adote Project, coordinated by Professor Rita de Cássia Café Ferreira, President of the Culture and Extension Committee at ICB/USP and researcher at CEPID B3, and Professor Jansen de Araújo, coordinator of the Culture and Extension Committee of the Department of Microbiology at ICB/USP and head of the Emerging Viruses Research Laboratory (LPVE).

The following student facilitators also participated: Bruna Rodrigues Corrêa, Carolina Diorio Nastaro, Giovana Tarantini, Lara Nardi Baroni, Nicole Gonçalves Picinin, Pedro Lucas Batalha Marcelino, Gustavo de Oliveira Fenner, Fernanda Panicio Vizu, and Luana de Lima Maciel.

Acknowledgments

The organizing team thanks SESI Mauá for their reception, partnership, and support in hosting the event. Special thanks go to coordinators Maria Marta Rossi Gurgel Alline Caruzo Rosa and Ana Maria Martins, and to director Andrea Aparecida dos Santos Silva for their collaboration in organizing the activities—essential to the success of the initiative and to strengthening the connection between university and school.

Text by Bruna Rodrigues Corrêa and Rita de Cássia Café Ferreira