News | 28 November 2025
IES Solna students explore neuroscience and future careers at ‘The Cell’
A year 8 class from IES Solna recently became the first group to pilot a new educational collaboration between the National Museum of Science and Technology (Tekniska Museet) and Karolinska Institutet (KI). The initiative, hosted at the newly established life science hub 'The Cell,' bridges the gap between research, art, and education.
The visit began with the exhibition "Me, You & We," where educator Lisa Wilén guided students through works of photography, sculpture, and video art designed to explore human behaviour.
"My priority is to get students to experience science out in the world," says Calvin Keyser-Allen, Head of Department for Science & Technology at IES Solna, who accompanied the students on the visit.
Moving from art to hard science, the students entered The Cell’s laboratory to learn about cognitive neuroscience. They watched a presentation by KI researcher Dr Henrik Ehrsson regarding how the brain perceives the body. This culminated in a hands-on attempt at the famous “rubber hand illusion,” where students used synchronised brushing to trick their brains into perceiving a rubber hand as their own.
From the lab to the campus
This particular visit was unique; the class was the first to experience a new "add-on" program launched on October 15th. Following the laboratory session, the students were escorted directly to the Karolinska Institutet campus to meet with current university students.
The goal of this extension is to give younger students a glimpse into the broad palette of career paths available in health, medicine, and life science. The IES Solna students participated in an interactive presentation, listened to personal stories about university life, and finished the day with a campus tour and lunch mingle.
"The whole trip was a great experience," says Shiva, a year 8 student. "We got to try programming with biofeedback, see an art exhibition, and meet students at Karolinska. I learned a lot, and it was genuinely fun."
The initiative aims to do more than just teach science; it hopes to inspire future career choices. By connecting the school's proximity to one of Europe’s leading medical institutes, the program makes higher education feel accessible.
"I’m really grateful for the team from Karolinska Institutet and Tekniska Museet that are building these bridges," adds Mr Keyser-Allen.