AMBER postdoc Ferdinand Fandrei competed in the research communication competition, Forskar Grand Prix!
Ferdinand Fandrei presenting on stage during Forskar Grand Prix in Helsingborg.
On October 7th, AMBER postdoctoral researcher, Ferdinand Fandrei, competed in the Lund University heat of Forskar Grand Prix – Sweden’s national competition in research communication, where researchers are challenged to combine clarity, storytelling, and stage presence.
Ferdinand Fandrei, who works at the Division of Physical Chemistry, presented his research alongside four other researchers from Lund University. In just four minutes, he had to explain his research in the most engaging way possible to capture the attention of both the jury and an audience of 500 high school students at the Helsingborg City Theatre.
Ferdinand Fandrei’s presentation was entitled: “How does our skin protect us?”, and focused on the microscopic world of the skin barrier – a surprisingly dynamic and flexible structure that keeps our bodies safe and intact.
How did you adapt your research to a young audience without prior knowledge of physical chemistry?
– When I was thinking about how to present my research findings, I tried to refocus my perspective on what would have appealed to me when I was at school.
– My main focus was therefore not only on the scientific information, but rather on how I could convey this information in an appealing, exciting and entertaining way.
– That's why I decided to explain my method (NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance) metaphorically as stop dancing. I danced through the crowd until the music stopped to illustrate the idea that molecules are excited by radio waves and that you obtain information by observing how the molecules move and relax after the music has stopped.
– My main message was that science can be fun and doesn't always have to be serious, because I believe that playing around is really an essential part of science.
What made you participate?
– I wanted to participate in the Grand Prix because I think communicating scientific content is more important than ever. I feel that science is currently going through a difficult period worldwide, with investment cuts in the United States and other countries. That's why I think communicating scientific content is no longer just a nice thing to do, but an essential part of making the public aware of the many ways science contributes to a better world – to help science survive.
Tell us, what was your biggest challenge?
– During the run-up to the Grand Prix my biggest challenge was to deal with the growing tension and finding time in my already busy schedule to properly prepare. It was also difficult for me to find the right balance between entertainment for teenagers and scientific quality for the jury.
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
– What I enjoyed most was the process of learning and growing together with the other participants. It felt less like a competition and more like a team effort, and it was so impressive and inspiring to see how everyone improved and how we created a wonderful experience for the high school students.
Do you have some takeaways?
– When I reflect on my experiences, I take away that people generally appreciate you and are even inspired by you when you approach things in a different way. So for the future, I want to stay bold and creative in the ways I communicate science to different audiences.
The Lund University heat of Forskar Grand Prix was won by Petra Holmberg, postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Law, who will now represent Lund University in the national final in Stockholm on 18 November.
Learn more about Forskar Grand Prix and the upcoming final: www.forskargrandprix.se
*Some of the responses/text in this article originally featured in an interview with Ferdinand Fandrei produced by the Science Faculty at Lund University.