This inspiring meeting brought together representatives of the academic community from across Poland, experts from the biotechnology industry, institutions supporting innovation (the Polish Future Council, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, and the National Centre for Research and Development), and the young generation (Biotechnology students and graduates), creating an ideal space for discussion on how to speak to young people to make biotechnology their first choice when considering studies.
A panel discussion, in which young people played a key role, was the starting point for further work. They shared their perspectives on what "good studies" and "satisfying work" mean to them. The event participants were able to learn about the main motivations guiding high school graduates in choosing their further education path. A sense of purpose, a mission, a belief in having a real impact on the world around them and the lives of others, as well as the awareness that their future job will add real value and address contemporary challenges are some of the motivations young people shared when discussing their future field of study.
Intensive group workshop work was the next element of the meeting. The event participants, taking into account the perspectives of students, employers and university representatives, discussed how to design communication for the study programme to encourage young people to choose medical biotechnology. As a result of the collaborative work, a communication prototype that will help better meet the needs of future students has been developed.
Source and photos: Dr Angela Dziedzic, Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
Edit: Kamila Knol-Michałowska, Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
