UCT Learners’ Open Day 2025

The Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town hosted grade 11 learners and their teachers, from multiple schools across the Western Cape Province on 25 August 2025 for the annual Learners' Open Day.

The Learners’ Open Day gives high school students a unique opportunity to engage with the world of genetics and explore future career pathways in science and health.

PUBGEM-Africa (Public Understanding of Big Data in Genomic Medicine in Africa) had the opportunity of hosting a stand, which created an interactive and dynamic learning experience for learners. The team showcased videos on PUBGEM-Africa’s pioneering work and the GeneMap initiative, providing students with real-world examples of how genomics research is being applied to improve health across Africa.

To spark curiosity, we also offered a range of educational activities. Learners enthusiastically participated in activities such as building DNA sequences, solving word searches, and unscrambling genetics-related terms. Each activity was designed to make scientific concepts more accessible while linking directly to the ongoing work of PUBGEM-Africa and GeneMap.

The Open Day created an inspiring space for young learners to see themselves as the next generation of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals. By blending fun, interactive learning with cutting-edge science, the Division of Human Genetics and partners like PUBGEM-Africa highlighted the vital role of genomics in shaping the future of medicine in Africa.

More information about the Division of Human Genetics can be found here.