This year’s Academic Conference, which took place from 22. 4. – 23. 4., proved to be the biggest and most popular yet. With guest speakers, lectures, up to 25 presentations and 64 posters, there was something for everyone with Motolska mile and Vojak after-party ensuring it was not all medicine.
The conference kicked off with a lecture by renowned psychiatrist, prof. MUDr. Cyril Hoschl, DrSc., FRCPsych. To a packed velka posloucharna, Dr. Hoschl discussed the link between the anthropological social development of man and the development of the neocortex. The lecture was in Czech but non-speakers were able to follow the (English) slides.
The day was divided into themes with the first part focusing on neuroscience; the second, invasive methods/surgery; and, thirdly, immunology. Again, though most, but not all, presentations were in Czech, there were English slides, allowing non-speakers to follow each topic.
The second day followed in the same format with a more technically based lecture by Ing. Josef Fulka jr., DrSc. Similarly with English slides, Ing. Fulka, a specialist in cloning and stem cells, discussed nucleolus extraction and reimplantation of cells in the field of reproductive medicine. While most of the presentations and talks were research based, Dr. Marek Slaby, South Bohemian Salvage and Rescue Services chief, had an informative and stimulating lecture on his exciting field.
With so many posters, it was evident 2nd fac students take a strong interest in research. The foreign students were proudly represented by Youssef Ghaly and Tariq Adam. Their poster ‘Linopirdine induces hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in saline perfused rat lungs’ was the talk of the conference, raising much interest and discussion amongst both students and staff.
While most presentations were by postgraduate students there were a couple by undergraduates showing, along with the posters, there are no barriers to being included in the Academic Conference. Having a poster or presentation as an undergraduate is a great addition to one’s CV; presentations are often an overview of academic papers that are to be published. The various departments in 2nd fac all take part in research, particularly the pre-clinical depts., and welcome volunteers, including foreign students. However, with so many people participating in research and due to time constraints, not everyone can get involved in a research project or present. But there’s no harm in trying!
As further incentive to get students involved in the Academic Conference, prizes were allocated in various categories, including one for ‘most attentive onlooker’, where an ipod was up for grabs! Other categories included: best lecture, best poster, best undergraduate work. Prize money up to 40,000 KC was awarded in each category! Results will be made known very shortly on the faculty website.
Lastly, the conference was rounded off by the Motolska mile and Vojak's after-party. With vouchers for free food and drinks, as well as live music, Vojaks was going to be a busy place and it didn’t disappoint. Of the foreign students, 3rd yr, as always, showed up in the most numbers – if little sighting of them at the actual conference itself – showing a willingness and enthusiasm to dance and socialise with many of their Czech colleagues that would have impressed even the Dean.
Special mention should be given to the ‘HELP Aquila 2009’ fundraiser. Organised by Motolak, badges were sold for 30 KC with the proceeds to be given to the Aquila fund. All 200 badges sold out rapidly and in all 3700 KC was raised for the fund! A big thank you to those who organised this and to those who purchased a badge. Well done!
The yearly faculty conference is the perfect way for students to dip their toes in research or further academia. Who knows it might provoke a change of career plans: medical geneticist rather than G.P.! Not speaking Czech is not a bar to taking part in Vedecka Konference and students can get involved in a variety of ways. A lot of work is involved in each conference not just by participating students but also faculty staff, as well as non-academic staff. The success of this year is a testament to all those involved.
-tc-
