On the 27th and 28th of September 2024, seven of our imπACT fellows presented their research at the European Researchers’ Night, a continent-wide event showcasing the latest scientific developments to the public. Held in various locations, this year’s event saw our fellows attending the European Researchers’ Night in Brussels and Graz.
Brussels: Meet today’s Marie Curie
On Friday, 27th September, Ella Egberts, Sinem Helvacioglu Akyüz and Nishat Hyder-Rahman were featured in the ‘Meet Today’s Marie Curie’ session, organized by WiseNight, at the Planetarium in Brussels. The session drew a curious crowd of both adults and children set on engaging with the researchers. Presentations were followed with various questions from the audience, highlighting the public’s growing interest in how research shapes our world.
The following day, 28th September, at the beautiful setting of the Brussels Institute of Natural Sciences, Luigi Oddo captivated his audience with a talk on his research project, CLIMAGR. His presentation about the relationship between climate, harvests, and price expectations across Europe and China from the 16th to the 20th century raised a lot of interest. During the rest of the day, researchers, parents, and children enjoyed interactive activities, games, and scientific experiments, making this an educational and informative day for young and old.
Graz: European Researchers’ Night in Austria
Meanwhile, in Graz, Austria, three other fellows – Eric Gaba, Chukwuebuka Eze and Parkash Rawat – presented their research projects at the University of Graz, organized by Life Is Science.
Eric Gaba
“It was a unique experience for the audience, many of whom found walking with the prosthesis more challenging than expected. The feedback revealed that while non-amputees take balance, energy expenditure, and impact forces for granted, these are significant challenges for prosthesis users.”
Chukwuebuka shared his research on the toxicity and safety testing of e-waste, focusing on the environmental and health impacts of electronic waste (e-waste). He emphasized the importance of improving waste management systems and developing safer disposal methods to protect both humans and ecosystems.
Chukwuebuka Eze
“I was delighted to present my work on the hidden risks of e-waste to children and adults alike, emphasizing the importance of adopting a sustainable mindset from a young age. The experience helped me realize the value of science both globally and locally, and I’m grateful for the connections and insights gained at this inspiring event.”
Parkash presented his research on gut microbiota, exploring the functional roles of gut bacteria in human health. Parkash’s research delves into the gut-brain axis—the communication network between your gut and brain. When this axis is disrupted, it can lead to diseases such as multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and Parkinson’s.
Parkash Rawat
“A beautiful city, an event to remember, and scientifically curious people. What else one could ask for from their first ever researcher’s night. Presenting my work to people – from old and leaned, to young and inquisitive – it was an experience I never thought I would enjoy this much.”
