How do Flu Pandemics Start? Learn by "Picking a Giant Nose" at the Festival!

Nose picking is encouraged at the USA Science & Engineering Festival booth of AstraZeneca, and its biologics research and development arm, MedImmune. Visitors to the booth can “pick” a giant nose and learn how flu pandemics start. It's this type of hands-on science experience that inspires kids to pursue a STEM career.

Pick Your NoseAstraZeneca and MedImmune feel strongly that they can have the greatest community impact where they have the greatest expertise. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, they have chosen to invest significantly in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Through sponsorship of STEM outreach programs, partnerships with leading non-profit organizations and employee volunteerism efforts, AstraZeneca and MedImmune are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.

MedImmune has been a proud sponsor of the USA Science & Engineering Festival since the inaugural event in 2010. In addition, this year the company is also the presenting sponsor of the X-STEM Symposium, an Extreme STEM symposium that kicks off the Festival in Washington, D.C. on April 14 for middle through high school students.

"We are committed to cultivating and inspiring talent for the future," explained Dr. David Berman, senior vice president and head of MedImmune’s Oncology Innovative Medicines Unit. "The Festival and the X-STEM Symposium play a vital role in exposing students to the creativity and innovation that is shaping science today.”

Dr. Berman will kick off this year's X-STEM Symposium on Thursday, April 14 when he presents on immuno-oncology and the fight against cancer. Immuno-oncology is an exciting area of cancer research where you use the power of the immune system to fight cancer.

In addition to being present during the company’s exhibit booth during the Expo on April 15-17, AstraZeneca and MedImmune scientists will also be available for one-on-one conversations with students at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 16 during the Meet the Scientist hour These scientists work in a variety of functions within the company from early discovery to clinical and are eager to share their personal experiences and advice with students.

For more information about AstraZeneca or MedImmune, please visit www.astrazeneca.com or www.medimmune.com.

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