When both the jury and the audience votes were counted, it was clear that Luís Oliveira, Lund University, had won the Researcher Grand Prix 2024. Read what he takes away from participating in Sweden’s largest competition in presentation techniques for researchers!
How did it feel to win the Forskar Grand Prix 2024?
It felt amazing. It was great to have the recognition from the jury and from the audience. Science communication is so personal – we’re not just talking about data; we’re sharing the stories behind our research. It felt really special to see that people connected with my story and appreciated it.
What about the competition made you want to apply?
I’ve always been a great fan of science communication. While I’ve truly enjoyed doing research during my PhD, I’ve always known that I love communicating science even more. The Forskar Grand Prix format of presenting science in under 4 minutes felt like a good challenge to put that into practice. And it was also a great chance to meet others who are just as passionate about making science accessible.
In Forskar Grand Prix, the real skill was to condense everything into four minutes without losing the heart of the story.
What did you find most challenging during the competition/the process?
Honestly, the biggest challenge was saying less. As researchers, we’re trained to dive deep, to explain every detail. But in Forskar Grand Prix, the real skill was to condense everything into four minutes without losing the heart of the story. It was a true test of both my scientific and communication skills.
How did it feel to be on stage in front of so many people?
Terrifying at first, I won’t lie! But once I got up there and started speaking, it felt amazing. Looking around and seeing people involved. And especially in the end, it was super fulfilling to feel the enthusiasm and the engagement of everyone who came to the stage and wanted to know more.
A couple of months after the competition, you visited Järva Gymnasium, which was also in the audience during the final. There you were able to talk about your research in more detail to several school classes. How was that?
One of the most moving parts of the whole experience was the connection with students, getting their enthusiasm and curiosity. Since the competition was not the ideal setting for it, it felt like I hadn’t had the chance to fully respond to everything. So, when the invitation came to visit Järva gymnasium, it was the perfect opportunity to dive deeper and really answer their questions.
One of the most moving parts of the whole experience was the connection with students, getting their enthusiasm and curiosity.
Did anything surprise you?
I was really surprised – in the best way – about the engagement on the visit to Järva gymnasium! Many students had very insightful questions about my research. Some of those questions I couldn’t even give a very solid answer because they were precisely some of the questions that are still open in the field I work in!
This shows the importance of science communications initiatives to give young people a way to hear more about science and get engaged. It’s not only about promoting a new generation of scientists, but also about promoting a new generation of people who actively engage in science with their curiosity and knowledge.
Was your win recognized in any special way?
It was, and that felt really rewarding. As a scientist who loves communicating, these are exactly the kinds of opportunities I’m hoping to create — ways to share my passion for science with a broader audience.
Was there anything that you took away from the other finalists?
Absolutely. In both the regional stage and the final, I got the chance to meet scientists who are equally passionate for communication from so many different fields. That way I also got to experience Forskar Grand Prix as a viewer who is listening about different research fields. But with the advantage that, on top of being a spectator, I also became friends with all these fantastic participants, which was super rewarding.
Since the competition, I’ve been more than glad to participate in different outreach opportunities.
Has the experience affected your willingness to participate in more science communication activities?
Definitely encouraged, it showed me just how much I love communicating science. Since then, I’ve been more than glad to participate in different outreach opportunities. And as I near the end of my PhD, this experience has really helped me realize that I want science communication to be a major part of my future career.
Do you have any advice to anyone who is thinking of participating?
If you are thinking of participating but are not sure, don’t wait to feel “100% ready” or to have a ”perfect presentation”. Go for it! Bring your enthusiasm about telling your story, and dive into it.
