A Glimpse into the Baltic Sea BioMed Summer School 2024 on the Seili Island 

Mahnoor Mahnoor

This summer, the Baltic Sea BioMed-2024 (BSBM-24) Summer School took place on Seili Island, a location rich in natural beauty and history. Organized by the University of Turku and sponsored by the Nordplus Higher Education Programme, this intensive programme gathered students, mentors, and experts from Baltic region universities to explore the intersection of biomedical research and environmental science.

This time six universities participated in BSBM-24: Karolinska Institutet, Syddansk Universitet, Vilniaus Universitetas, University of Eastern Finland, Abo Akademi, and University of Turku. The program, running from August 5th to 9th, offered a unique combination of hands-on scientific research, interdisciplinary lectures, and a deep dive into the environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea. 

Seili Island, known for its serene landscapes and long history dating back to the Middle Ages, provided an inspiring backdrop for the summer school. It has been home to diverse ecosystems and species, many of which are threatened. The Archipelago Research Institute, based on the island, has been monitoring environmental changes since 1964, making Seili an ideal location for the BSBM-24 program. Students and faculty were accommodated in the island’s facilities, balancing modern amenities with the rustic charm of the protected area. 

The summer school’s agenda was packed with activities to foster knowledge and practical skills. Participants engaged in lectures on human drug metabolism, emphasizing their impact on the Baltic Sea ecosystem, planetary health, and the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals. The hands-on sessions allowed students to investigate real-world ecological data, such as RNA sequencing, to analyze the effects of pollutants like PCBs on liver cells. 

Group work was a central part of the curriculum. Students grouped to compare the environmental risks of commonly used drugs, focusing on how different pharmacokinetic properties affect their persistence in aquatic environments. This exercise aimed to highlight how certain medications, like diclofenac, pose higher ecological risks compared to alternatives like ibuprofen. 

Beyond the scientific content, the program emphasized interdisciplinary learning. Ulrik Kihlbom from Karolinska Institutet led a session on environmental ethics, encouraging students to reflect on the moral implications of their research and its broader impacts on society. This was complemented by a practical “Escape Room” challenge designed to stimulate teamwork and critical thinking. 

The participants also explored biodiversity topics, focusing on how pollutants impact marine life and ecosystems in the Baltic Sea. Research on species like the Baltic herring and the dynamics of harmful cyanobacteria blooms provided insights into the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. Additionally, a career development session introduced students to opportunities in the biomedicine sector, featuring presentations from industry experts and networking opportunities. 

Seawater sample from the Baltic Sea collected on the way to Seili Island for experiments.

Beyond the scientific content, the program emphasized interdisciplinary learning. Ulrik Kihlbom from Karolinska Institutet led a session on environmental ethics, encouraging students to reflect on the moral implications of their research and its broader impacts on society. This was complemented by a practical “Escape Room” challenge designed to stimulate teamwork and critical thinking. 

The participants also explored biodiversity topics, focusing on how pollutants impact marine life and ecosystems in the Baltic Sea. Research on species like the Baltic herring and the dynamics of harmful cyanobacteria blooms provided insights into the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. Additionally, a career development session introduced students to opportunities in the biomedicine sector, featuring presentations from industry experts and networking opportunities. 

The BSBM-24 Summer School on Seili Island was more than an academic experience; it was a chance to connect with nature and witness the direct implications of environmental research. As the participants presented their findings at the end of the week, they showcased not only their scientific achievements but also a deeper understanding of the relationship between human health and the environment. The insights gained on Seili will undoubtedly influence their future research and contributions to the field of biomedical and environmental sciences. 

In a world facing global environmental challenges that demand innovative solutions, programs like the BSBM-24 Summer School serve as a crucial platform for fostering the next generation of researchers committed to making a difference. 

The Nordplus Higher Education Programme is a networking and mobility initiative in the Nordic and Baltic countries for bachelor’s and master’s degree programme. The primary focus of this programme is to ensure collaboration between higher education institutions that are part of it. This can be achieved through exchanges, shared experiences, best practices, and innovative outcomes.