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).
