Weekly round-up #176

Some exciting news for VALIDATE. As you know, VALIDATE has been developing a series of educational computer/video games called BCG Adventures. This week marks the 100th anniversary of the first use of the BCG vaccine for humans so we are encouraging VALIDATE members to play the games and share them as widely as possible right now - www.validate-network.org/bcg-adventures
 

Who are the games for? - These games are for VALIDATE members, researchers and teachers who need a fun and unique resource that can engage young people with the often dry topics of immunology, vaccines and the history of science. The games are available for free and can be played either in a browser by anyone who wishes to play them. They will be both fun and informative for people of all ages but are specifically aimed at UK Key Stage 3 students (aged 11-14). The games are available online but can be downloaded and work as a useful tool for researchers who take part in science festivals and career fairs.

Play the games now!

Albert and Camille’s Little Lille Adventure is an exploration and adventure game in which you navigate characters around a map of occupied Lille in 1917. Players take the part of both Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin and interact with Lille's citizens to obtain the necessary supplies for their important vaccine research whilst avoiding soliders.

As the player collects each item, they will learn about the methods used to create BCG, and how vaccines work.

Vaccine Delivery Adventure is a classic side-scrolling action game where a healthcare worker has to overcome the challenges of delivering vaccines worldwide. Avoid local dogs, dangerous traffic and deliver the vaccine in different locations.

As the player progresses they will learn more and more about the BCG vaccine and the challenges of protecting communities against tuberculosis.

VALIDATE members get involved

• Play the game and feedback: Members can play each game and let us know what you think either by completing the feedback forms on each page or emailing us - validate@ndm.ox.ac.uk
• Spread the word: Let your friends and colleagues know and share the games widely on social media. You can find a number of screenshots, gifs and other promotional materials on the BCG Adventures Page.
• Help develop the next game: We still plan to make two additional games over the summer and we need your help. VALIDATE members can get involved and advise on the science and educational content of the game - validate@ndm.ox.ac.uk

The next VALIDATE Indusry Seminar - Tomorrow, 14:00 BST

There is still time to register for tomorrow's VALIDATE Industry Seminar. In Tuberculosis Infection and T cell-Mediated Immunity, Dr Xiao from Oxford Immunotec will be discussing the Immunology of latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease, the granuloma formation and T cell medicated immunity and the immunology behind T cell-mediated immunity tests.

Spread the word and register online today - www.validate-network.org/event/immunotec