The representative of the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip, Kristijan Panev, is the winner of the audience award at the international Science Slam competition, which was held in Villach, Austria, within the framework of the European university alliance ACE²-EU.
At the event, held on June 15 and 16, researchers from partner institutions in the ACE²-EU alliance had the task of presenting their scientific research to a wider audience in a simple and interesting way. In competition with participants from the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences (CUAS), the Medical University of Gdańsk and the industrial partner Infineon, Panev managed to win over the audience and receive the highest score.
In his six-minute presentation, he spoke about human rights in global supply chains, using a simple example – a banana. Through the story of a product that travels thousands of kilometers before reaching consumers, Panev explained how corporate responsibility and careful control of supply chains can contribute to the protection of producers’ rights.
His presentation was recognized by the audience as the clearest, most creative and with the strongest social message, which earned him the “Audience Award”.
I had only 6 minutes to explain the concept of corporate due diligence for human rights in global supply chains. A simple idea, but a big topic and an even bigger challenge. Through the example of “how a banana travels”, I managed to convey the message to the audience and I must admit that the feeling is beautiful. Communication and presentation in science is a skill in which I deeply believe and invest. Namely, I believe that my long-standing experience in public speaking and the UGD oratorical evenings have their merit for this success. Research is important, but it can only have its impact if people can connect with it. Science is not an end in itself, nor am I a supporter of the idea that impact should be measured by numbers and indices, but rather it is here to serve people and have its own results in society. This experience reminded me why this is so. After this victory, I will probably travel to Vienna at the end of the year for another – larger science slam, said Panev.
Science Slam is the final part of the specialized training in science communication, organized by the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences within the framework of ACE²-EU. The program aims to help researchers make complex scientific topics understandable and interesting to the public through practical work, mentoring and public appearances.
This year’s edition was also supported by the company Infineon, the Government of Carinthia, Science Slam Austria and the Abenteuer Affenberg research station. Part of the activities took place in an unusual environment – in a macaque monkey habitat, where participants tested their presentation skills in front of an unusual audience.
Kristijan Panev’s success represents significant recognition not only for him as a researcher, but also for the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip, which through its membership in ACE²-EU actively contributes to the development of the European research and academic space.
