It was an exceptional Sunday at Theatre Square in Zielona Góra. On 14 June, the University of Zielona Góra invited residents of the city and the wider region to join in celebrating the University's 25th anniversary during the UZ Science Festival – an event designed to inspire through knowledge, discovery, and hands-on experience. During this unique journey through the world of science, participants had the opportunity to try a wide range of activities, including flying a drone, gold panning, and exploring interactive exhibits dedicated to health, nutrition, and creative learning.
The UZ Science Festival is one of the flagship events in the year-long programme celebrating the 25th anniversary of the University of Zielona Góra.
“Pursuing and promoting science has never been an easy task, but we continue to do so with great commitment. For the residents of our city and region, we have prepared activities that showcase what our University is best known for – the work carried out every day by our students and staff. Across dozens of stands, visitors had the opportunity to discover the topics and research areas that our academic community is passionate about,” said Prof. Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra.
This year's edition of the festival marked, in many ways, the revival of an event that had previously been a cherished part of the city's calendar.
“Everyone could find something of interest. We had activities for children, including colouring, building structures, and creative games with animation parachutes. There was also something for sports enthusiasts, thanks to the participation of the University Sports Association (AZS). Among the highlights were our science demonstrations. Participants could challenge artificial intelligence, learn how the human brain functions in space, and explore a mobile exhibition presenting the scientific achievements of the University of Zielona Góra over the past 25 years.
The exhibition was available at Theatre Square during the festival and, from 15 June, it will be displayed next to the Zielona Góra Town Hall for a further two weeks,” explained Małgorzata Ratajczak-Gulba, Director of the University's Promotion Office.
In total, visitors could explore 17 scientific stands, each offering a different perspective on science and innovation.
One of the most popular attractions introduced participants to the fields of nursing and midwifery.
“We wanted to demonstrate how a woman in labour can be assisted through a few simple steps, particularly in situations outside a hospital setting. The most important thing is ensuring the mother's safety by protecting her from environmental hazards and immediately contacting emergency services. It is also essential to keep both the mother and the newborn warm and to ensure proper care of the umbilical cord,”said Dr Iwona Bonikowska, Head of the Laboratory of Specialist Nursing at the University of Zielona Góra.
The nursing team also offered blood glucose and cholesterol testing, assessed neurological reflexes and the ability to recognise scents, and taught participants cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), as well as techniques for safely irrigating the eye.
There were also plenty of attractions for those who enjoy taking to the skies, thanks to a virtual flight simulator.
“Visitors could fly a virtual drone on a large screen, while another station featured a multi-axis gimbal equipped with a real drone connected to a control system. We wanted to demonstrate what flying a drone actually feels like – how to move forwards, backwards, and sideways, how to turn, and how to perform various manoeuvres. Using special goggles, participants could view the live image transmitted by the drone's camera,” explained Dr Marcin Chciuk from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering.
The stand organised by the Institute of Civil Engineering also attracted considerable interest.
“We invited participants to build Leonardo da Vinci's bridge in either a micro or macro version. Visitors could also experience what it feels like to operate a crane or try assembling bolted connections. We also talked about renewable energy sources. There was truly something for everyone. Even the weather did not discourage us – civil engineers are used to changing conditions,” said Dr Krystyna Urbańska, Deputy Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering.
No university celebration would be complete without music. Throughout the day, festival visitors enjoyed performances by students and graduates of the University of Zielona Góra. The stage featured the Student Big Band, the band Firley, and Paweł Sznajder with his ensemble, alongside a lively bachata dance performance.
Visitors were enthusiastic about the event.
“The first concert was absolutely delightful. A new generation and new musical styles performed by young people whom I know from entirely different musical settings – it was fantastic,” said Dorota, one of the festival's participants.
“It's a wonderful initiative and we're having a great time. The weather hasn't been perfect, but the attractions organised by the students more than make up for it. We've already visited the nursing stand, and now my son is enjoying himself pretending to be a civil engineer,” added Katarzyna, another participant.
The UZ Science Festival also provided an opportunity to announce the winners of the competition “Re-Activation: Show Us Your Idea for the World!”
The winners were:
First Prize – Aleksander Omieczyński First Secondary School in Gryfino for the project “Green Relaxation Zone”.
Second Prize – John Paul II Catholic Secondary School in Żary for the project “School Repairer – UsterkApp”.
Third Prize – Stefan Banach Second Secondary School in Świdnica for the project “Disconnect to Reconnect!”
The UZ Science Festival once again demonstrated that science can be engaging, accessible, and inspiring for audiences of all ages, while reaffirming the University of Zielona Góra's commitment to sharing knowledge and strengthening its ties with the local community as it celebrates 25 years of academic excellence and innovation.
