The University of Lodz community has co-created this exceptional science popularisation event for the fourth time. This year’s edition brought together representatives from nearly all faculties and units of the University of Lodz, including the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, Faculty of International and Political Studies, Faculty of Management, Faculty of Philology, Faculty of Philosophy and History, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Law and Administration, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, and Faculty of Chemistry. Students from the Interfaculty Science Popularisation Club of the University of Lodz and high school students distinguished within the UL Innovation Laboratory project also contributed to the programme.
The EC1 spaces were filled with science on every floor. Participants could visit nearly 100 stands and activities prepared by the University of Lodz academic community, as well as representatives of other scientific institutions, ask researchers questions, conduct experiments and discover the world of science from a variety of perspectives.
"Grzyby w wielkiej sieci życia” [Fungi in the Great Web of Life]
“Fagi i bioopakowania – jak natura pomaga zwalczać bakterie i plastik” [Phages and Bio-Packaging: How Nature Helps Combat Bacteria and Plastic]
"Przestrzeń, która znika – zmień bieg historii” [A Space That Disappears – Change the Course of History]
"Koszałki-opałki, czyli prawo karne w bajkach” [Nonsense Rhymes and Criminal Law: Fairy Tales in the Eyes of the Law]
"Jak kupujemy w Internecie? Sekrety decyzji e-konsumentów” [How Do We Shop Online? The Secrets Behind E-Consumers’ Decisions]
These were just some of the activities prepared by UniLodz researchers, doctoral students and students. The programme also included sessions devoted to, among other topics, microorganisms that changed the world, the diet of Ancient Romans, and scenarios related to a potential blackout across Europe.
Crowds at the “Tomorrow You. W stronę transhumanizmu” Exhibition and Discussions
Two panel discussions accompanying the exhibition “Tomorrow You. W stronę transhumanizmu” [Tomorrow You. Towards Transhumanism], developed by the University of Lodz and the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts Łódź, attracted particular interest.
The discussion “Transhumanizm – kim się stajemy?” [Transhumanism: Who Are We Becoming?], moderated by Dr Magdalena Kosiada-Sylburska, Head of the EC1 Science and Technology Centre, drew a large audience. The panellists included dr hab. Krzysztof Pabis, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, Vice-Rector for Popularisation of Science and Education, and dr hab. Tomasz Sieczkowski, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz from the Department of Modern Philosophy at the University of Lodz.
The discussion “O samotności i relacjach w erze sztucznej inteligencji” [Loneliness and Relationships in the Age of Artificial Intelligence], featuring Dr Marta Kucharska-Hauk, Dr Julita Czernecka and Dr Dominika Kaczorowska-Spychalska, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, was equally popular.
Both events demonstrated that, during a science festival, the public is drawn not only to experiments and demonstrations but also to discussions concerning the challenges of the contemporary world, emerging technologies and the future of humankind.
Science Close to People
The 4th Lodz Night of Scientists once again confirmed that science works best when it reaches beyond the walls of laboratories and universities. More than 1,500 visitors, a record-breaking number of activities prepared by the University of Lodz, and the commitment of researchers, doctoral candidates and students turned the evening at EC1 into a true celebration of science popularisation.
Find even more science on the Science Inspires website
Source: University of Lodz, EC1
Edit: Honorata Ogieniewska, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
