On the occasion of the 10th edition of the 'Night of Biologists', which will be held online this year, employees, PhD students and students of the Faculty of Biology at the University of Gdańsk, the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and GUMed and Gdynia's Aquarium have prepared many fascinating events in the field of biology. The theme of this year's meeting is "The man and microorganisms".
The tenth edition of the Night of Biologists will take place on Friday, January 8th, 2021, and like every year, promises to absolutely fascinating. - Biology is with us every day, but we often do not give it a second thought and more often than not we prefer not to think about it because it is science - and science is difficult! Nothing further from the truth, the biologists from the University of Gdańsk undertook the task of bringing biology closer to us and at the same time showing that what they do and research is very close to us,' says Dr Elżbieta Sontag, the coordinator of Biologists' Night on behalf of the Faculty of Biology at the University of Gdańsk. - Several years of experience show, that the Night of Biologists has become a permanent event in the calendar of Pomeranian district's events and the number of participants grows every year. During last year's event, an entrance counter was installed and it turned out that the Department of Biology was visited by almost 2 thousand people. This turnout showed how necessary it is to popularise science and present the research of scientists. Especially since we are visited by preschoolers, schoolchildren of different ages and adults.
- Going beyond the university with reliable scientific knowledge is particularly important in today's world, where we are inundated with pseudo-scientific information and fake-news. That is why, despite the unfavourable epidemiological situation, we organise an online Biologists' Night at the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdańsk and GUMed. This year, we want to take advantage of the fact that at the department there are virologists conducting research on SARS-CoV-2 virus, who will share their knowledge about new vaccines and COVID-19 diagnostics, dispel doubts and answer questions that bother the audience. In addition, we will present a number of equally interesting lectures and workshops related to the broad subject of "The man and microorganisms". - says Dr Alicja Chmielewska, coordinator of the Biologists' Night on behalf of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Gdańsk and GUMed.
Not only interesting workshops and lectures
The form in which the biology events will be given to the participants varies in nature.
During lectures, workshops, quizzes, shows, films or competitions we will learn, among other things, why fear makes cowards of us all, how it originates and how it differs from anxiety; is it better to be 1,5 kilogram heavier or lighter?; what do vaccines for COVID-19 "hide"?; how intestinal microorganisms can influence our behaviour and cognitive processes, such as emotions or memory; what influences our preferences and choices - are we fully conscious of them?
You will also be able to watch a 15-minute film held in a humorous manner, telling the story of the participation of bacteria and other microorganisms in the circulation of elements in the marine environment. A film showing what plant cultures are in case of in vitro or a film telling the story of lichenized fungi or lichens from several perspectives.
Those adventurous will be able to try their hand at an escape room with an unknown microorganism in the lead role, which will have to be destroyed with a medicine hidden in the laboratory. In addition, they will be able to take part in an antibiotic quiz and check how much we know about antibiotics and their correct usage. You will also be able to play the didactic game 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: in the world of microorganisms' and see what would happen if the backstage of the 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' programme took place in the world of microorganisms - would you become a millionaire?
The programme of the Night of Biologists - Faculty of Biology of the University of Gdansk (a link allowing access to individual classes will be placed on January 8th, 2021. After the holidays, instructions for accessing individual applications will be available in the download section).
This year online, but without the need for subscriptions and without a seat restriction
The Night of Biologists is a nationwide event, which from the very beginning has found its' enthusiasts both on the side of the audience and on the side of students and employees, who are passionately preparing for next editions. This year, the prevailing pandemic has moved the whole event online - you will be able to participate in the classes using easily accessible, free applications from your computer, tablet and smartphone. There is a positive side to this - almost all classes are available without restrictions and do not require registration. All you have to remember is to be within reach of the network.
Translation: Alan Stocki