Dr. Marcelina Jureczko, the winner of Poland’s 10th FameLab competition, is set to represent the country at the international finals on November 29. Known for her captivating talks on environmental biotechnology, she will showcase how fungi can combat pharmaceutical pollution. The event, held online, will bring together finalists from eight nations, including Austria, South Africa, and the UK.
Fungi: Nature’s Avengers
Dr. Jureczko’s presentation, titled “Fungi – Avengers Who Wear Caps Instead of Superhero Capes,” explores her innovative research in environmental protection. By collaborating with fungi, she seeks to address the harmful effects of pharmaceuticals in ecosystems. Using props and engaging storytelling, she aims to demonstrate science’s power as more than “magic,” combining rigor with creativity.
Preparing for the Global Stage
To perfect her three-minute presentation, Dr. Jureczko participated in masterclasses with storytelling expert Dr. Anna Ploszajski. Despite admitting to nerves, she’s optimistic, especially as she will present first, avoiding comparisons with other top-notch participants.
FameLab, founded in 2005 in Cheltenham, has become a global platform for science communication. With over 40,000 participants worldwide, it celebrates young researchers’ ability to make complex science accessible. Watch the final live on YouTube and cheer for science’s fungal superhero!