On May 22nd, a scientific picnic took place at the Congress Center of Sumy State University as part of the “Science Day” celebration. The event aimed to engage children and young people with the issues of education and various sciences.
At the scientific picnic, attendees had the opportunity to explore scientific exhibits and innovative developments, observe experiments and demonstrations, interact with representatives from SumDU departments, and participate in various activities related to the university’s specialties. Visitors could try out modern eye-tracking equipment, control devices similar to radio-controlled cars from their phones, and learn how to take fingerprints.
The Department of Electronics and Computer Technology (ECT) also actively participated in the event, showcasing their achievements and allowing attendees to experience being specialists in this field for a few moments. They demonstrated that science can be not only complex but also fascinating and practically useful. ECT representatives showed visitors the process of creating microchips using 3D printers for printing conductive tracks, introduced prospective students to the principles of these printers, and explained their use in creating modern electronic devices and their components. A prototype of a prosthetic hand controlled by muscle signals was demonstrated, attracting great interest—visitors could try controlling the prosthetic themselves, along with a miniature model of a smart home controlled by a smartphone. Attendees also had the chance to learn how to use a multimeter to measure electrical quantities and try their hand at soldering at a soldering station. The most active participants received memorable gifts from the ECT department.
During the presentations that followed the interactive part, speakers conveyed the importance of science and its role in the social and economic life of society in an accessible and engaging manner, encouraging young people to pursue scientific activities. They provided specific examples of how applied sciences, particularly in medicine, chemistry, computer science, electronics, and engineering, can improve our lives.
Participants of the scientific picnic emphasized that science is not only intensive intellectual work but also about travel, discoveries, new acquaintances, and, most importantly, a path to the future. For school students facing career choices, this was an important message. Vladyslav Kondus, head of SumDU’s research department, shared his own secret to achieving goals: “Not long ago, I was in your place. I remember the fears you have, I understand the anxiety and uncertainty before making a choice. The main condition for success in life is to believe in your abilities and work hard. And you will definitely be able to realize your potential.”
