The Allen Institute is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Education Lab. This custom-built 1327 ft² learning space immerses students, educators, and scientists in authentic learning experiences offered by the Allen Institute’s Education and Engagement Program and powered by the Allen Institute’s pioneering open science and cutting-edge research. 

“In the Education and Engagement Program, we aim to expand access to opportunities through the power of open science. The new Education Lab will show how laboratory techniques, current research advances, and the Allen Institute’s open science resources are all connected,” said Kaitlyn Casimo, M.Ed., Ph.D., manager of the Allen Institute’s Education and Engagement team. “Our unique lab experiences are for communities at every stage of their science career, from professionals to students in their first biology class. Even if those students don’t go on to become scientists, we hope to build their science literacy and enthusiasm.” 

Students can peer through high-powered lenses, unlocking the intricate beauty of the microscopic world, or manipulate DNA sequences with the same tools used by leading biomedical researchers.

What sets the Allen Institute Education Lab and programs apart are their seamless integration of hands-on lab experiences with the Institute’s vast open science resources. Participants have the unique and impactful opportunity to delve into massive public datasets, explore groundbreaking findings, and witness firsthand the power of collaborative, open research. 

The Education Lab hosts a wide array of programs designed to ignite scientific curiosity at every level. High school and undergraduate groups can look forward to dynamic field trips that provide authentic science experiences that cultivate research skills and data literacy—valuable assets for a wide range of future career paths. For a select group of Seattle Public Schools students, the summer of 2025 will offer an extraordinary opportunity: a credit-bearing two-week intensive focused on the transformative potential of open science. 

“Getting students onsite can be life-changing for them. It dispels some of the stereotypes of who they think scientists are. And once they see scientists of all different backgrounds and ages, I see them get really excited about doing science,” said Susan Russell, M.S., a science teacher at Lynnwood High School.

Recognizing the critical role of science educators, the lab also champions faculty development. Educators gain invaluable skills in both laboratory techniques and computational/data analysis approaches to big and open science. These programs empower educators to leverage the Allen Institute’s open educational resources and to collaborate with peers and Allen Institute staff to develop innovative teaching materials, extending the lab’s impact far beyond its walls. 

The Education Lab also serves as a vital resource for the broader scientific community, hosting technical trainings for scientists and providing hands-on opportunities for attendees of other Allen Institute events and programs. This ensures a continuous exchange of knowledge and fosters a culture of open scientific exploration. 

Staffed by a dedicated team of scientists and educators, the Lab is committed to providing high-quality, impactful learning experiences. Its mission is to nurture the next generation of scientists, foster critical thinking, and inspire a community that is not only informed but genuinely excited about the power of science to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges.