Metabolic Modeling for Obtaining Real Scientific Skills (MetaFORSS): Introduction to Integrative Inquiry in Biological Systems

Increasingly, the integrative nature of professional biomedical research highlights the importance of bridging computational methods and fields with traditional bench science to leverage both approaches simultaneously in problem-solving. To navigate this integrative landscape and understand the synergistic relationship between wet and dry laboratories, aspiring biomedical researchers should gain exposure to both early in their careers, ideally during high school. This comprehensive framework provides a holistic understanding of how the synergistic approach of computational simulations and bench science contributes to the advancement of biomedical research. Here, we introduce the Metabolic Modeling for Obtaining Real Scientific Skills (MetaFORSS) workshop. Developed by biomedical researchers and implemented in two cohorts of summer high school students, this workshop integrates in silico (metabolic network modeling) and in vitro inquiry within a biological system, specifically bacterial metabolism. MetaFORSS can be implemented in various high school settings, whether as part of the biology course curriculum or as an extracurricular activity within a biology club. What sets MetaFORSS apart is its use of open-source software packages, making it accessible to students from diverse educational backgrounds, enabling them to engage in cutting-edge in silico techniques and understand the experimental validation process in a biomedical laboratory setting. In conclusion, MetaFORSS serves as a powerful introduction to integrative science and professional biomedical research for high school students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the dynamic field of biomedical research.