A PhD student from the Silesian University of Technology won the 7th Silesian edition of three minutes Thesis®
An evening full of emotions and exciting scientific stories, the finale of the Silesian edition of three Minute Thesis® 2024, is behind us. The winner of this year’s edition was Magdalena Gwoźdź, who during the speech talked about renewable energy storage.
On Friday evening, November 29th, we listened to 10 exciting, three-minute stories about science. They were presented by PhD students from Silesian universities: Magdalena Gwoźdź (Silesian University of Technology), Krzysztof Kasperek (University of Silesia), Julia Kolasa (Silesian University of Technology), Wojciech Leder (University of Silesia), Konrad Kołodziej (Silesian University of Technology), Kamil Mąkosza (Medical University of Silesia), Aleksandra Ryś (University of Silesia), Tomasz Strzoda (Silesian University of Technology), Sławomir Szczurek (University of Silesia), Julia Walczak (University of Silesia)
The finale of the 7th Silesian edition of 3MT® was inaugurated by Prof. Aleksandra Ziembińska-Buczyńska and Jan Maroszek. The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk and the Chairman of The University Self-Government Council of the Doctoral Students’, MSc Eng. Krystian Szewczyński wished the contestants all the best.
– “Excellent jury, great organizers, but above all great speakers. You have very interesting research, and you can present it in an interesting way. You have to speak to people who are not necessarily close to the topic you are dealing with, and this is particularly evaluated today.” – said the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Marek Pawełczyk during the inauguration of the 3MT final.
The final was also attended by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education of the Silesian University of Technology prof Anna Chrobok , Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education at the University of Silesia Katarzyna Trynda and representatives of sponsors: Ms. Iwona Kempinska from JAS-FBG, Mr. Maciej Sulima from the Katowice Special Economic Zone and Ms. Agata Buchchik from EMT-Systems.
Presentations of the topics of doctoral theses were assessed by a jury composed of: Dr Katarzyna Sujkowska, Prof. UŚ (University of Silesia) - Prof Dr Hab. in med. sciences Tomasz Francuz (Medical University of Silesia) and Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Robert Michnik (Silesian University of Technology).
The winner of the first place was Magdalena Gwoźdź from the Silesian University of Technology. In addition, for her speech "From a pastry shop to a thermal battery - renewable energy storage" she received the Engineering Award and the Audience Award.
– “In my speech, I wanted to draw attention to the problem of waste energy from renewable sources and the possibility of its storage. I told the audience about it using the knowledge from the latest reports I recently read. The research I conduct is my passion, so I share it with others with great enthusiasm.” – said Magdalena Gwoźdź. “Taking part in the 3 Minute Thesis competition was a great experience for me. This is a great opportunity to test your communication skills and show how inspiring science can be. Thanks to the sponsors, the prizes in the competition were particularly attractive, and the training in engineering that I won will enable me my further scientific development.” – added the winner of the 1st place.
The second place was taken by Krzysztof Kasperek from the University of Silesia. His presentation was titled: “Small decisions, big decisions. The Power of Self-Government in Early Childhood Education.”
– “The aim of my PhD was to learn about the experiences of early childhood education students related to the acquisition of self-management, subjectivity and participation skills”– explained Krzysztof Kasperek during his speech. – “Together with my class, we undertook innovative research on a global Polish scale, in which students became a subject, not an object of research. Together with me, they created a course and solved the research problem.”
The third place was taken by Julia Kolasa from the Silesian University of Technology. Her doctoral thesis combines the issues of medicine and biomedical engineering around the problems associated with glaucoma. The doctoral student presented a speech entitled "Planet of the Eye: Superheroes against glaucoma. Whether or not to have it is the question.”
– “Let’s cover our eyes. We see darkness. Welcome to the world of glaucoma. It is the number one enemy for our eyes - a small, malicious thief of sight. But take it easy - there is a hero in this story. Let’s get to know the microstent.” – this is how Julia Kolasa introduced viewers to the issues concerning support of glaucoma treatment.
The founders of the awards in the amount of PLN 8000 – first place, PLN 6000 – second place, PLN 5000 – third place, PLN 2000 – Audience Award, PLN 1000 – Engineering Award were: AIUT, Katowice Special Economic Zone and JAS FBG. The voucher for training in the amount of PLN 4000 was sponsored by EMT-Systems. Gift vouchers were funded by CH "Forum". Book awards – Helion and pro science.
Every year, students surprise the audience with scientific stories. In their 3-minute, synthetic speeches, they convey emotions related to the search for new solutions and at the same time raise issues important for society, the environment, health care or the economy. In addition, during the three Minute Thesis®, young scientists test their scientific communication skills. They involve people outside the academic community. As a result, the audience gains a huge dose of knowledge.
The Silesian edition of the three Minute Thesis® competition is organized by the Science Popularization Centre of the Silesian University of Technology and the University Self-Government Council of the Doctoral Students of the Silesian University of Technology. The honorary patronage was taken by the Katowice Special Economic Zone – the founder of the award. The patronage over the competition was taken by: President of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, National Representation of PhD students, EURECA-PRO. The sponsors of the financial awards are: AIUT, JAS FBG, “Forum” Shopping Centre. The sponsor of the Engineering Award is: EMT Systems. The book awards were sponsored by Helion Group.
The 7th Silesian edition of three Minute Thesis® is implemented in the City – Region – Academy band within the European City of Science Katowice 2024. The event was co-financed by the Silesian Voivodeship - Co-organizer of the European City of Science Katowice 2024.
photo: Aleksandra Wojaczek
