Abstract:

Close to 15% of the students in a classroom at school are, what we consider ‘talented students’. This talent is applicable in several areas, for example music, mathemathics, arts and science. A talented biochemistry student combines a high level of curiosity and interest in biochemistry, creativity and devotion to “bio” sciences.

Talent support is connected to two conclusions from “The Role of Education and Training in the Implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy”.

a) Improving the quality and efficiency of education and training: All citizens need to be able to acquire key competencies and all levels of education and training need to be made more attractive and efficient.
b) Enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training: The acquisition of transversal competences by all citizens should be promoted and the functioning of the knowledge triangle (education-research-innovation) should be ensured.

For the benefit of talented students and the entire society, the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department (Universitat de Barcelona) is continuously trying to find gifted biochemistry students and further develop their talents.

Many years ago, the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department started several initiatives to provide opportunities for talented biochemistry students. The following three key factors are important for the creation of the right atmosphere which allows us to propose these experimenting programs and ensure their success:
1) University and community support
2) The use of university facilities to enhance cost control
3) The selection of students

The main aim of this work is to present and analyse different models of Biochemistry Talent Development outside the secondary school classroom, and discuss future perspectives.

Keywords:

Educational activities, gifted students, biochemistry, sciences.