Crowds of visitors at LabOpenDays 2024
Presentations, workshops, lectures, and open laboratories – for two days Silesian University of Technology hosted secondary school pupils, who could see up close what the work of scientists looks like. The youth had the opportunity to talk with lecturers and students, visit the labs, see what they are used for and how modern laboratory equipment works. The interest was huge.
This year’s second edition of LabOpenDays took two days. Scientists from all faculties of the Silesian University of Technology who prepared a number of attractive activities for young people, took part in the event.
– We have prepared a popular science lecture for our guests, we want to introduce them to what biomedical engineering is all about – said Aleksandra Badura, PhD student and organizer of LabOpenDays at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering. The pupils also visited the laboratories of scanning microscopy, minimally invasive surgery, virtual reality, and biomedical signal recording. They could feel like surgeons, lab workers and try our equipment. – she added.
– We presented the most interesting laboratories connected with the fields of education offered by our Faculty, we focus on those aspects that the labour market expects from us, i.e. modern technologies, materials, and production systems – said Dr Eng. Sandra Grabowska from the Faculty of Materials Engineering.
All teaching units of the Silesian University of Technology showed what they do on a daily basis. The young people learned, among other things, how air pollutants are measured, what the chromatograph is used for, and under the microscope they saw microplastics or nanomaterials. Pupils learned about modern measurement technologies used in geodesy, such as tachometers, code levels, GNSS receivers, laser scanners or drones, visited laboratories where scientists deal with the design of digital and microprocessor systems, electronic circuits, or do research on the use of superconductors. Young people could independently test the strength of materials, get acquainted with virtual reality, prepare natural cosmetics or program robots during workshops.
– We also invited an Intel representative to give pupils a lecture on what skills candidates are most valued for by the labour market in the area of new technologies, we also prepared IT workshops, we showed our laboratories. Young people who visited us know that it is worth studying with us, which makes us very happy – said Dr Hab. Eng. Krzysztof Simiński from the Faculty of Automatic Control Electronics and Computer Science.
The visit of secondary school pupils was also an opportunity to present them an offer of education, and for pupils the opportunity to contact students and lecturers. Natalia Pepkow came to visit the laboratories of the Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, where she tried her hand at a train driving simulator.
– Very nice experience, although I would prefer to try it live – said Natalia stressing that she plans to study at the Silesian University of Technology. – I am interested in railway transport, I have not had time to ask about everything, but I really like it at this university and also in Silesia, it is a great place to study.
LabOpenDays complement the Open Days of the Silesian University of Technology, giving secondary school pupils the opportunity to get to know places where students have classes and scientists conduct research.
“The foundation of engineering science is experimentation, which takes place in laboratories. This is a place where a young, beginning engineers can develop their skills, build their competences in basically any field - emphasized Dr Hab. Eng. Tomasz Trawiński, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Promotion. – The Silesian University of Technology has a lot to show, we open our modern laboratories and tell young people, future engineers what is worth investing in – added the Vice-Rector.
Silesian University of Technology, one of ten research universities in Poland, has world-class equipment. During the next edition of LabOpenDays – in a year - there will be the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
