Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EUCYS2024 (European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) 2024)
Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2025-02-28
The EUCYS contest, a prestigious initiative of the European Commission supporting the scientific development of young people, took place in 2024 in Katowice, which celebrated its European City of Science stat that year.
A total of 143 finalists from national competitions arrived in Poland – young scientists from 37 countries in Europe and around the world. For science enthusiasts, it was an opportunity to compete in the presentation of research projects in fields such as natural sciences, mathematics, technology, economics and social sciences. The participants presented 92 projects, including prototypes of solutions and research projects from many different fields, such as innovative systems supporting beekeeping, the use of bacteriophages in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, new therapies for treating brain glioma, an intelligent table assisting blind people, microchips for removing cigarette butts, language inheritance and functional ear prostheses. In Katowice, the winning projects were selected by an international jury composed of 21 specialists from various fields of science.
One of EUCYS’ main goals is also to foster the participation of young women scientists in Research & Innovation, as they are still underrepresented in STEM. In 2024 - 63 of the 143 participants were young women.
Thirty-three winners were selected, who, in addition to 13 financial awards ranging from 2,500 to 7,000 euros, received special prizes in the form of research internships and visits to prestigious research centres around the world.
The main objective of the project was to organise and implement a competition (with supporting activities) for participants aged 14 to 20.
The specific objectives of the activity were:
1. to promote the development of young aspiring scientists - by organising the international final of the competition,
This goal was achieved by organising an international final of the competition, which included, among other things, contacts between young participants and the jury, but also contacts between the participants themselves, allowing them to learn about each other's projects.
In addition, additional attractions were organised, including an EIROForum lecture, a meeting and discussion with guest Andrzej Dragan, as well as excursions (including to the Planetarium and the Guido Mine).
2. to promote young scientists who, through their achievements, show the impact of science on solving key problems,
This objective was achieved through numerous promotional activities related to the EUCYS final (promotion in traditional and social media, web streaming of the opening ceremony and award gala), as well as opening the expo space to visitors, with a special focus on school trips.
3. to promote international and interdisciplinary cooperation - through activities integrating the finalists,
The objective was achieved through activities integrating the finalists, including:
- the opening ceremony (attractions on the University campus, integration activities, competitions, a performance by the Silesian Song and Dance Ensemble, a lecture by Prof. Madey on the history of the competition)
- providing space for free discussion at the competition venue (comfortable pouffes, quiet areas, refreshment areas located in many places)
- accompanying events (excursions - Silesian Planetarium, Guido Coal Mine Museum, Porcelain Factory)
- facilitating mutual contacts between participants before, during and after the event
4. to bring science closer to citizens through public presentations by the finalists.
The objective was achieved by enabling the public to participate in the event as observers and by providing opportunities for interaction between the audience and participants.
To increase the accessibility of the event, it was held in the very centre of the city, in the prestigious building of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Also other promotional activities were carried out (including filming each project and making the films available online, presenting the projects on social media and on the website).
A total of 143 finalists from national competitions arrived in Poland – young scientists from 37 countries in Europe and around the world. For science enthusiasts, it was an opportunity to compete in the presentation of research projects in fields such as natural sciences, mathematics, technology, economics and social sciences. The participants presented 92 projects, including prototypes of solutions and research projects from many different fields, such as innovative systems supporting beekeeping, the use of bacteriophages in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, new therapies for treating brain glioma, an intelligent table assisting blind people, microchips for removing cigarette butts, language inheritance and functional ear prostheses. In Katowice, the winning projects were selected by an international jury composed of 21 specialists from various fields of science.
One of EUCYS’ main goals is also to foster the participation of young women scientists in Research & Innovation, as they are still underrepresented in STEM. In 2024 - 63 of the 143 participants were young women.
Thirty-three winners were selected, who, in addition to 13 financial awards ranging from 2,500 to 7,000 euros, received special prizes in the form of research internships and visits to prestigious research centres around the world.
The main objective of the project was to organise and implement a competition (with supporting activities) for participants aged 14 to 20.
The specific objectives of the activity were:
1. to promote the development of young aspiring scientists - by organising the international final of the competition,
This goal was achieved by organising an international final of the competition, which included, among other things, contacts between young participants and the jury, but also contacts between the participants themselves, allowing them to learn about each other's projects.
In addition, additional attractions were organised, including an EIROForum lecture, a meeting and discussion with guest Andrzej Dragan, as well as excursions (including to the Planetarium and the Guido Mine).
2. to promote young scientists who, through their achievements, show the impact of science on solving key problems,
This objective was achieved through numerous promotional activities related to the EUCYS final (promotion in traditional and social media, web streaming of the opening ceremony and award gala), as well as opening the expo space to visitors, with a special focus on school trips.
3. to promote international and interdisciplinary cooperation - through activities integrating the finalists,
The objective was achieved through activities integrating the finalists, including:
- the opening ceremony (attractions on the University campus, integration activities, competitions, a performance by the Silesian Song and Dance Ensemble, a lecture by Prof. Madey on the history of the competition)
- providing space for free discussion at the competition venue (comfortable pouffes, quiet areas, refreshment areas located in many places)
- accompanying events (excursions - Silesian Planetarium, Guido Coal Mine Museum, Porcelain Factory)
- facilitating mutual contacts between participants before, during and after the event
4. to bring science closer to citizens through public presentations by the finalists.
The objective was achieved by enabling the public to participate in the event as observers and by providing opportunities for interaction between the audience and participants.
To increase the accessibility of the event, it was held in the very centre of the city, in the prestigious building of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Also other promotional activities were carried out (including filming each project and making the films available online, presenting the projects on social media and on the website).
The EUCYS competition for young scientists (aged 14 to 20) is a continuation of the long-standing tradition of the competition organised by the European Commission.
The event was dedicated to young European scientists who passed the national qualifiers and made it to the international finals. The event took the form of a competition, the final (and selection of the winning teams) of which took place in Katowice, Poland, in September 2024 (9-14 September).
The event was carried out in the following stages:
1. Preparatory activities:
- promotion of the competition final / communication with target groups to ensure adequate media coverage of the event,
- ongoing correspondence with the organisers of the national finals and finalists,
- coordination of participants' travel to the final venue,
- preparation of the final venue and support activities.
2. The competition final, which included:
- presentations of teams and their projects in front of an international jury,
- organisation of accompanying events for participants,
- organisation of the open part - open to the public,
- final gala.
3. Evaluation and dissemination activities:
- evaluation of the competition activities carried out,
- promotion of results.
The aim of the activity was to actively promote young scientists and showcase their projects presented during the competition final, including by providing online coverage of the most important parts of the event, as well as parts of the activity that will be open to the public - so that residents of the city, region, and visitors can see the participants' projects.
Organisational activities that have been carried out. The following tasks can be distinguished:
1. Registration of participants
This task involved the implementation of the registration system recommended by the European Commission (iEucys), through which competition participants and their transport and accommodation needs can be registered.
2. Selection and preparation of venues for competition activities, hotel and catering services
This task included carrying out the necessary contractor selection procedures for the successful organisation of the competition activities, including the selection of activity venues (project presentation venue - expo and venues for the opening gala and award ceremony), selection of catering company/meal venues during excursions and selection of hotels for participants, NO and jury.
3. Organisation of travel for participants, NO and jury
This task included the preparation and implementation of travel and accommodation services for participants, national organisers, jurors, partners, guests and the media.
4. Organisation of the event
This task included developing the event programme and implementing it during the final. The programme consisted of the participants' arrival, integration activities, the opening of the competition, the presentation of projects and the deliberations of the jury, accompanying activities (artistic activities, lectures, excursions), the award gala, and the final party.
5. Evaluation
This task included creating and conducting an evaluation survey among participants after the event, collecting feedback through direct contact, and creating an evaluation report.
The event was dedicated to young European scientists who passed the national qualifiers and made it to the international finals. The event took the form of a competition, the final (and selection of the winning teams) of which took place in Katowice, Poland, in September 2024 (9-14 September).
The event was carried out in the following stages:
1. Preparatory activities:
- promotion of the competition final / communication with target groups to ensure adequate media coverage of the event,
- ongoing correspondence with the organisers of the national finals and finalists,
- coordination of participants' travel to the final venue,
- preparation of the final venue and support activities.
2. The competition final, which included:
- presentations of teams and their projects in front of an international jury,
- organisation of accompanying events for participants,
- organisation of the open part - open to the public,
- final gala.
3. Evaluation and dissemination activities:
- evaluation of the competition activities carried out,
- promotion of results.
The aim of the activity was to actively promote young scientists and showcase their projects presented during the competition final, including by providing online coverage of the most important parts of the event, as well as parts of the activity that will be open to the public - so that residents of the city, region, and visitors can see the participants' projects.
Organisational activities that have been carried out. The following tasks can be distinguished:
1. Registration of participants
This task involved the implementation of the registration system recommended by the European Commission (iEucys), through which competition participants and their transport and accommodation needs can be registered.
2. Selection and preparation of venues for competition activities, hotel and catering services
This task included carrying out the necessary contractor selection procedures for the successful organisation of the competition activities, including the selection of activity venues (project presentation venue - expo and venues for the opening gala and award ceremony), selection of catering company/meal venues during excursions and selection of hotels for participants, NO and jury.
3. Organisation of travel for participants, NO and jury
This task included the preparation and implementation of travel and accommodation services for participants, national organisers, jurors, partners, guests and the media.
4. Organisation of the event
This task included developing the event programme and implementing it during the final. The programme consisted of the participants' arrival, integration activities, the opening of the competition, the presentation of projects and the deliberations of the jury, accompanying activities (artistic activities, lectures, excursions), the award gala, and the final party.
5. Evaluation
This task included creating and conducting an evaluation survey among participants after the event, collecting feedback through direct contact, and creating an evaluation report.