Students from Lycée Français Molière in Zaragoza have been selected to participate in a national project that offers the opportunity to launch scientific experiments to the stratosphere. This project, involving 15 schools from across Spain, aims to promote interest in science among young people and foster curiosity and talent in scientific disciplines. This year, a group of 22 students from Lycée Français Molière in Zaragoza has designed an experiment focused on the effects of radiation on medicines and blood under stratospheric conditions.
The project, sponsored by the SICE Chair – Innovative Technologies Applied to Infrastructure Management (a public-private collaboration between the University of Zaragoza and the company SICE), is part of the actions derived from SICE’s commitment to the STEAM Alliance, which promotes the presence of women in scientific and technical careers, fostering female talent in these areas.
The team from Lycée Français Molière consists of 22 boys and girls aged between 15 and 17 who are currently in their first and second years of high school. Guided by their physics and chemistry teacher, these students have divided their team functions into “departments” based on their specialties, including mathematics, computer science, economics, biology, physics, and chemistry. Despite this project not being part of the school curriculum and not bearing any academic credits, the students have shown remarkable commitment, dedicating much of their free time to advancing their research throughout the school year.
The goal of the Molière team is to evaluate potential alterations in the use of medicines in space. To this end, they have selected samples of pig blood and various medicines, protecting them with different types of insulation. These samples are accompanied by electronic sensors capable of measuring temperature and nuclear radiation.
The experiment was launched on April 27 from Calamocha (Teruel). The balloons landed in the Sierra de Alcubierre. The students are currently in the data analysis phase, from which they will draw the first conclusions.
The support provided by the SICE Chair – Innovative Technologies Applied to Infrastructure Management has allowed the students to acquire essential elements for the experiment, such as the alpha radiation sensor, radio sensors, Arduino boards, cables, and memory cards, as well as replace any damaged materials. This material support, along with lectures and visits to specialized facilities, has been crucial for the project’s development.
The SERVET project not only highlights the innovation and dedication of the students but also underscores the importance of collaboration and institutional support in promoting scientific education and the inclusion of women in these fields.
From SICE, we want to congratulate Lycée Français Molière for their commitment to science and the future, taking a step further in exploration and knowledge.
