Among the ten people qualified for the final of the FameLab competition was Jerzy Łątka, PhD, Eng, Arch. from the Faculty of Architecture. Last Saturday, our scientist was selected from among 20 semi-finalists who presented their research at the Copernicus Science Centre.

To present their work, the semi-finalists had only three minutes,  during which time they had to give at least an overview of what they do and, most importantly, talk about it in a way engaging and simple enough for the jury and audience to understand it.

- I talked about my research into the possibilities of applying paper in architecture - explains Jerzy Łątka, PhD. - I focused on the construction industry’s environmental impact, the opportunities and risks associated with paper, and paper products that today can already be used as building materials. The jury evaluated us in substantive terms, but they also paid great attention to the way the topic was presented, the presenter’s ability to make it interesting as well as whether they put ideas across in a simple manner. Each of the semi-finalists was looking for a way to present themselves originally and memorably. I started with a quote from a song by the singer Martyna Jakubowicz stating that there is no free love in concrete houses and I asked if such love will be found in paper houses, if not love among people, then maybe love for the planet?

Jerzy Łątka, PhD also admits that he was very impressed with the presentation of the semi-finals’ other participants.

- My presentation was the first one, so I watched the rest with a peace of mind, without stage fright or stress - says the researcher. - They were very well prepared and even the jury emphasised, without any feigned kindness, that the choice of finalists was extremely difficult. Watching the other participants’ talks, I was certain that I had no chance for the final, and I’m not saying it out of false modesty. I hadn’t expected to be in this group and it was a big surprise for me.

The final is scheduled for May 16. Then Jerzy Łątka, PhD will deliver a presentation in which he will focus on the aid-related aspect of paper architecture, and thus on developing houses for victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts.

Earlier, however, the scientists will take part in a three-day training course. What’s in store for them is an intensive course in scientific communication, self-presentation, and public speaking, conducted by British and Polish trainers.

Held all around the world, the FameLab competition is organised under the auspices of the British Council. Its Polish edition is co-organised by the Copernicus Science Centre. As emphasised by the organisers, the idea is simple: to provide scientists with a stage and a microphone, give them training support and help them spread their wings. The participants will decide for themselves whether for them it will mean gaining a new tool in promoting science or improving skills important for their scientific careers.

The winner of the Polish edition of the competition will take part in the international finals of FameLab International in Cheltenham, the UK during Cheltenham Science Festival.

Additionally, the winner will receive prize money of 12 thousand PLN. The second place will be awarded 6 thousand PLN, and the third place will be awarded 3 thousand PLN. The winner of the audience award will receive a voucher for language services (course, language examination, or proofreading services) funded by the British Council.

Also, a special distinction will be awarded by the Kościuszko Foundation. It will be a promise guaranteeing a three-month scientific scholarship in the USA, worth 9 thousand USD.

The competition is held under the auspices of the Minister of Science and Higher Education and the National Centre for Research and Development. Partners to FameLab are the Foundation for Polish Science and the Kościuszko Foundation.