After two activity-packed weeks, the 8th edition of the ADAMED SmartUP science camp has just come to an end. Between 17 and 30 July, 50 participants met in Warsaw to enhance their knowledge and acquire new skills under the guidance of experts, while having plenty of fun. For the first time in the history of the program, Polish participants were joined by three laureates of its Vietnamese counterpart.

For the last eight years, the top 50 participants of each ADAMED SmartUP edition have been taken on an intellectual adventure in the summer weeks. During this year’s science camp, young aspiring scientists could learn what it takes to be a successful researcher. With the help of their mentors, who combine expert knowledge with plenty of passion, the aspiring scholars could broaden their horizons in a selected discipline. Numerous activities were available in each themed track, to give them a foretaste of a career in science.

The classes were of extremely high quality. The exceptional thing was that I could do something practical, do it on my own. In high school, I spent most of my time in remote education. It was impossible to do experiments or take part in workshops and here I could practice surgical suturing or work with bacteria,” says Anastazja Lisek, student at the Lublin Union High School no. 3 in Lublin, who chose the camp’s Medicine and Medical Sciences track.

In the Chemistry and Biochemistry track, participants could learn about the lifecycle of viruses and find out how theoretical ideas are turned into actual new pharmaceuticals. Those who chose Medicine were able to try their hand at applying surgical sutures and fighting bacterial infections, but were also informed about the role of psychology and ethics in medicine. The Engineering and Robotics section took flight several times – using a flight simulator, taking part in a drone handling course and talking to representatives of an astronautic club. The fourth group, Physics and New Technologies, pored over hot topics in crystallography and quantum and statistical physics, enjoying the opportunity to verify theoretical assumptions in lab-based experiments.

“It is a privilege and a pleasure once again to be able to watch our gifted camp participants acquire new skills and expand their knowledge. We are convinced that many of those who took part in the 8th ADAMED SmartUP camp will go on to become renowned scientist and it is quite an inspiring thought that drives us forward,” recaps Martyna Strupczewska, Head of ADAMED SmartUP program.

ADAMED SmartUP is also an opportunity for young people to learn how to work in a team and a chance for them to meet like-minded peers. This year, besides friends from Poland, the camp goers also met three participants from Vietnam, who had won their local edition of the program.

“Besides the wealth of knowledge and skills we acquired in class, the friendships that were forged here are the most precious thing. I made new friends among people who share my goals, ambitions and interests. We are already planning to work together in future. It is the most valuable experience offered by the camp,” – says Jakub Respekta from the Engineering and Robotics group and student of the Jesuit Academic High School in Nowy Sącz.

”What I remember most vividly is the energy you could feel throughout the camp community and the atmosphere of all the classes. I felt that we were all great enthusiasts, equally passionate about science. Even at lunch or after class, science-related topics were often discussed,” adds Barbara Siewert, student at the Polish Navy Memorial High School No. 3 in Gdynia, who chose the Medicine and Medical Sciences track.

However, there is more to come! In September we will meet all of the participants of the 8th edition of the camp and the Closing Gala, where ten winners will be announced. They will receive a package of individual educational consultations and the top three participants will be awarded a financial scholarship to help them to pursue their scientific interests.

Check out the photo gallery of the 8th edition of the camp! You can also find the photos on our social networking sites – Facebook and Instagram.