The Biomedical Research Foundation held its annual luncheon honoring the Science and Medicine Academic Research Training program 2016 class, which consists of area high school seniors who gain experience through a one-year, hands-on curriculum of medical-intensive projects at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport.

Student participants spoke about their experiences in the program and presented their research they completed during the term. Participants were also awarded certificates signifying their accomplishments.

Every academic year, a group of students from Caddo, Bossier and DeSoto parishes qualifies to participate, giving a boost to students who plan to pursue careers in the medical field. Students work with professors to complete research projects and compete in state, national and international science competitions.

The BRF organizes and supports the SMART program through grants and donations. The SMART program is currently celebrating its 19th anniversary. It operates as part of the BRF’s EdVentures initiative, which supports science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related programs for area high school students in order to achieve a more knowledge-based economy.