The official opening of the 22nd Lublin Festival of Science and the Lublin Science Picnic are now behind us. WSEI University is a co-organiser of this year’s edition.
The 22nd edition of the Lublin Festival of Science began on 19 September. During the opening ceremony at Chatka Żaka, the organisers, co-organisers and participants were welcomed by Prof. Radosław Dobrowolski, Rector of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS), which is leading this year’s edition. He thanked everyone involved for their cooperation in promoting and supporting science.
The inaugural lecture, entitled “25 Years of Inspiring Curiosity: The Importance of Science Engagement in the 21st Century”, was delivered by Dr Kenneth Skeldon from the University of Glasgow, President of the European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA). The opening events concluded with a concert entitled “Vis vitalis, vivace: Big Band UMCS”.
Sunday was devoted to science combined with entertainment. Plac Litewski was filled with stands representing universities from Lublin and the surrounding region, offering a wide range of workshops and activities.
WSEI University actively participated in the Science Picnic, and our stand attracted a large number of visitors.
- We mainly prepared activities for younger visitors – experiments and activities for children. The turnout has been excellent and the level of interest is very high. We are pleased with such a positive response, as it shows that bringing science out into the community is worthwhile,” said Sylwia Jachuła, Chair of the Eduaktywni Student Scientific Association of Pedagogy at WSEI University.
Together with members of the Progressus Student Scientific Association of Early Childhood and Primary Education, the students demonstrated to children, among other things, how to set colours in motion and where the gas produced during a reaction between vinegar and baking soda comes from.
The Fizjostrefa Student Scientific Association of Physiotherapy, meanwhile, offered massages and kinesiotaping, while students provided visitors with basic diagnostic advice.
- Events of this kind are an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience and interact with patients. They are also a great way of promoting our University, which provides excellent opportunities for personal and professional development,” emphasised Dominik Białek, supervisor of the Fizjostrefa association - As a medical programme, we want to show people and raise awareness that health is the most important thing we need to take care of. Events like this help us achieve that.
Lecturers and students from the Sports Science & Coaching programme offered reaction speed tests, body composition analysis and muscle strength measurements. Our secondary schools – the WSEI Academic Sports Championship High School and WSEI University High School – encouraged visitors to take part in physical activities.
The Science Picnic concluded with a lecture entitled “Science in the Service of Healthcare – From a Computer Model to a Space Mission”, delivered by Tomasz Rymarczyk, PhD, DSc, Professor at WSEI University. He explained how algorithms, engineering and digital technologies can help address a wide range of challenges.