The SID Education for Students Program (SIDES) debuted in 1989 with a goal of encouraging interest in science among high school students. Established and chaired by Ken Kraemer, MD (National Institutes of Health) the program each year brings together a dynamic group of students representing high schools from the Annual Meeting locale. Dr. Kraemer explains the value of the program: "During this program, students have the opportunity to hear new scientific work firsthand and to speak on a one-to-one basis with the people involved in this research. They are given personal accounts of the training required as well as the difficulties and delights of scientific research. The program is intended to expose them to the process of dissemination of scientific information."

The students, who are interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine, spend the day at the SID Annual Meeting where they get a glimpse into the real world of scientific investigation and presentation. The program features speakers including senior investigators, medical students and residents. Students attend a plenary lecture, tour the poster hall and then engage in follow-up discussion with program speakers about what they have seen and learned. Since its inception, more than 1,000 students have participated in this program.

For more information about the SIDES program, please call 216-579-9300.