Education
We help connect high school teachers and students with the fascinating and dynamic world of biomedical research through free memberships for qualifying high schools. Our award-winning Science Matters content, annual Student Competition and online educational materials and support are just some of the membership benefits. We also offer career day speakers as well as invitations to our premier professional development workshops for qualifying teachers.
Science Matters
Science Matters, the new face of the award winning What a Year! content, brings new biomedical discoveries to students and the public through clear, engaging stories each month. We scan top scientific sources to highlight breakthroughs and exemplify our mission – from nano-tattoos that could replace finger sticks to parasitic worms that could be the key to pain management.
Free and online, Science Matters offers an archive of past stories. Explore new research, potential future treatments and the scientists behind the discoveries who dedicate their lives to research to drive medical innovation forward. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Have a story idea? Send it to info@nesbr.org. We’ll be in touch. Thank you!
Animal Heros: Insulin for Diabetes
A landmark medical study using dogs led to the discovery of insulin and its role in regulating blood sugar, forming the basis of modern diabetes treatment. In 1889, researchers found that removing a dog’s pancreas caused diabetes, revealing insulin’s importance. Frederick Banting and James Collip later purified insulin, testing it in dogs before giving it to humans in 1922. The results were dramatic: insulin injections in diabetic dogs lowered their blood sugar, directly leading to a Nobel Prize and changing diabetes care forever.
Student Competition
Each year NESBR sponsors a competition for secondary students. In response to the Challenge assignment, students may submit an essay, a poster or a website. Prizes range up to $500 for the top award and all winners and their parents and sponsoring teacher are invited to the NSEBR Annual Meeting of Members in June, where they receive the recognitions.
The Challenge’s submission window is open from early January to early May each year. Winners are notified in early June. The Challenge is always based upon NESBR’s Science Matters science discovery website for secondary students.
All students in grades 7 – 12 in New England are eligible to enter, whether enrolled in public, independent/private, parochial schools or home school. To learn more about the 2026 Competition, go here.
