“We are in a unique position to bring the cutting edge of scientific research to high school students in our region,” says Abby Freeman, vice president for Administration at the Stowers Institute. “By sharing the exciting findings of Stowers scientists with high school teachers, we hope to instill a passion for research among students and to encourage them to pursue careers in science. These students are the researchers of tomorrow.”

     The symposium, which was attended by approximately thirty high school science teachers, featured four sessions on a variety of issues in basic science by leading researchers. Each teacher in attendance was provided with access to materials to help them incorporate information from the symposium into their own curriculums.

      In the future, the Stowers Institute plans to hold up to two STARS Symposia a year. High school science educators interested in receiving information about the STARS program should email their contact information including name, school, mailing address, email address, and phone number, to STARS@stowers-institute.org.

     Situated on a 10-acre campus in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research conducts research on the fundamental processes of cellular life. Through basic research of the highest quality, the Stowers Institute seeks insights that will lead to more effective ways of preventing and curing disease. The Institute was founded in 1994 by Jim and Virginia Stowers, two cancer survivors who have dedicated their fortune to supporting the basic research that will provide long-term solutions to gene-based diseases.