The formation of students' skills is positively influenced by constant contact with the world of applied research; at the same time, the world of research is able to evolve thanks to the valuable contributions and reflections that students in training produce. This virtuous way of contaminating knowledge is well integrated into the exploratory internship.  
 
Through the modern research concept, the occupational therapy student has the opportunity to train during the exploratory placement by studying and experimenting with innovative topics under the constant supervision of a research occupational therapist.   
 
The student will be able to understand the structuring elements of the world of research and the work of researchers within the Competence Centre on Ageing. During the internship the student will develop professional skills related to the different roles (occupational therapy expert, communicator, learner and teacher, member of a team, health promoter, member of the profession, manager). 
Some examples of activities to be carried out during the internship are: 

• Active participation in meetings between researchers at the Competence Centre on Ageing
• Systematic search for scientific evidence on occupational therapy in the geriatric setting 
• Critical analysis of scientific articles to promote understanding and application  
• Drafting of popular and/or scientific articles
• Creation of material for the dissemination of the occupational therapist's profession in the geriatric sector in the canton 

 
In addition to this, there will be opportunities for training and discussion in the cantonal health and social structures in order to be able to apply the research results in the real world clinical setting.