Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

This week has been an "outreach" week for me, filled with opportunities to engage with young minds and share my passion for science.

On Monday and Tuesday, I had the privilege of being part of the jury for "UngaForskare," a fantastic event where high school students presented their scientific projects. It was truly exciting to see these innovative projects and discuss them with such passionate young minds. Their enthusiasm and creativity were inspiring, and it was a joy to be part of their journey.

From Wednesday to Friday, I am virtually visiting school classes as part of LånaEnForskare to talk about our science and what it's like to be a researcher. Two out of three sessions are done – tomorrow is the finale! These sessions have been a wonderful opportunity to connect with students, share insights about the scientific process, and hopefully ignite a spark of curiosity and interest in the field of science.

So, why do I do this?

On one hand, I believe it's incredibly important to engage in outreach activities and encourage young people to love science. It brings me immense joy to see their eyes light up with interest and excitement. Inspiring the next generation of scientists is a responsibility I take seriously, and it's rewarding to know that I might be making a difference in their lives.

On the other hand, I conduct these talks in Swedish. While I aim to become fluent as Sweden is my new home, being a full-time group leader makes studying Swedish quite challenging. So, forcing myself to speak Swedish and give lectures helps me improve. It's a win-win situation – I get to practice my language skills while doing something I love.

Outreach is not only vital for inspiring the next generation but also a fantastic opportunity for me to practice my Swedish. It's a reminder that learning and growth are continuous processes, and every interaction is a chance to improve.

Thank you for following along on this journey. Let's continue to inspire and be inspired!