A guide to WMW science clubs

• For those interested in animal anatomy
• For those interested in wild animals
• For those interested in veterinary surgery
• For those interested in aquatic life
• For those interested in epidemiology
• For those interested in veterinary medicine
• For those interested in exotic and non-domestic animals 
• For those interested in infectious diseases among pets

SKN Alkmeon

The Alkmeon Student Science Club focuses on learning and studying the anatomy of various species of vertebrate animals. Members of the club can work in the mortuary on dogs, cats, chickens and exotic animals. – Over the last few years, thanks to the Wrocław Zoo, we have received many specimens of lions, wildebeest, primates, tapirs, ostriches, turtles, small and large lizards and many ornamental and predatory birds. Our members prepare soft tissues and clean the skeletons, describing the general structure, topography and the course of nerves and vessels – says Jan Bold, president of the club, adding that the conclusions from their research are often later presented in their scientific papers. They focus not only on presenting the anatomy of a given species, but also on using the acquired knowledge in veterinary medicine.

– Our club is quite young, so our scientific achievements are not huge, but you can find papers on, for example, the topography of nerves of the thoracic limb in a snow leopard or the topography of the African lion's torso – says Jan, adding that the club has recently welcomed new members and now papers are created, among others on the topography and openings of the skull and the technique of anaesthesia of the cranial nerves in selected species of primates, or on the comparative anatomy of the brachial and lumbosacral plexuses in primates.

Scientific Student Club of Wild Animal Medicine "Hubert"

Members of the SKN "Hubert" who deal with research related to wild animals, often organise adventurous field trips. In previous years they travelled, for example, to the Śnieżnik Kłodzki nature reserve, where they lived in a forest cottage without modern amenities, and this year they went to the Beskid Mountains. They also go canoeing on the Widawa and Pilica rivers, and organise science camps during which they carry out research. So far, they have been to the Biebrza National Park, where they lived on a barge in the marshes, or in the Bieszczady Mountains. – This year we plan to study invasive species in the Masurian lakes and spend a week or two on sailboats for this purpose – says the president of the Student Science Club, Magdalena Łazowska with a smile.

Spending such an amount of time together, often in difficult conditions, integrates and strengthens the members of the club. – Being part of the club has created many beautiful memories for us. Of course, we also implement ourselves in other matters, we organise lectures or conferences, but nevertheless contact with nature is the most important for us – says the president.

SKN Veterinary Surgery "Lancet"

The Lancet Student Science Club combines learning about surgery, diagnostic imaging and anesthesiology. – The combination of these three areas is a recipe for success for a future veterinarian – says the president of the group, Sandra Mulica. – At the club, we deepen our knowledge in the field from research, through diagnosis, preparation for the procedure, to the procedure itself and subsequent follow-up visits – she adds.

"Needle and Thread Thursdays", which are slowly returning after a pandemic break, is one of the most popular projects of the club and a cyclical event that allows students to consolidate their surgical suturing skills under the watchful eye of vets from the Department and Clinic of Surgery. Another noteworthy event is the Student National Conference of Veterinary Surgery "Lancet", organised by the club. – This event showed us that remote contact methods significantly facilitate the flow of knowledge between research centres. The conference was held in a remote formula and was attended by representatives of veterinary medicine departments from all over Poland. From laparoscopic and ophthalmic surgery, through anesthesiology, the most common clinical cases and the use of 3D printing in veterinary medicine – says Sandra.

Student Science Club of Ichthyopathologists "Skrzydlica"

SKN "Skrzydlica" is a scientific club whose participants are involved in deepening their knowledge in the field of aquaristics, aquaculture, fish production and aquatic organism breeding. So it’s perfect for sea and ocean enthusiasts. Its members participate in scientific and research works, lectures, seminars, symposia and scientific conferences, and take part in various events at the university. They also organise seminars, lectures, thematic meetings, as well as camps and research trips.

SKN EZA

The EZA Student Science Club is one of the youngest clubs at UPWr. It has been operating only since 2021 at the Department of Epizootiology with the Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals. Its members are mainly enthusiasts of epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics, veterinary public health protection and veterinary administration, but also behavioural medicine. SKN EZA is open to working with anyone who has interesting research ideas for or scientific articles.

– At the club, you can learn everything a young scientist should know – from research planning, through the development of results, to publishing the results in trade and scientific journals and public presentation of research results. Not only in theory, but above all in practice – says Katarzyna Bartkowiak, president of the club.

By taking an active part in the club, students have a chance to gain valuable contacts and experiences that will help them in their further careers. – Is it at the university or in veterinary practice – emphasises the president of the club.

Student Science Club of Veterinary Medics "Chiron"

SKN "Chiron" is the largest association of veterinary students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Wrocław. It is also the oldest club at the university. It was established in 1946 at the then Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Wrocław and University of Technology in Wrocław. They organise lectures, workshops and conferences aimed at developing students' interests and exploring veterinary knowledge. In addition, they take part in charity actions and promote the university on various types of trips.

SKN Mephitis

The Mephitis Student Science Club brings together students interested in the medicine of exotic and non-domestic animals. They specialise in learning about arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds and exotic mammals – from mice and guinea pigs, through marsupials, to wild predators. They organise lectures with specialists in the field of exotic animals, field trips, and were also involved in the organisation of the 1st Conference of Exotic Animal Medicine "Exotic Animals Seen Through the Eyes of an Expert" and the Scientific Congress. In the past, they also carried out scientific research presented in the form of posters or presentations about, the anatomy and differences of bird tracheas, blood groups in birds, chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism in domestic coffee beans, or the effect of individual nutrients on the oral microflora of the domestic rabbit in terms of dental problems, to name a few.

– Our club is for anyone who has an idea for research, is passionate about non-domesticated animals, or simply like some unusual animals, for example butterflies, which we also learn about – says the president of the Student Science Club Witold Walczak, adding that students at Mephitis can count on, among others, support and assistance in creating their own scientific work, participating in lectures with specialists, trips to centres dealing with exotic animals in Poland and abroad, a chance for a scientific publication, the possibility of communing with animals in the university vivarium for exotic animals, as well as the opportunity to earn points for a research scholarship.

SKN AnthraX

The AnthraX Student Science Club is one of the younger research clubs at the university. It was established in December 2020 at the Department of Epizootiology with the Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. According to the mentor of the club, Dr. Małgorzata Klimowicz-Bodys, SKN AnthraX was intended to be a group of students interested in the issue of the occurrence and control of infectious diseases among domestic animals, including farm animals and companion animals.

– The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly revised our original plans, but this doesn’t mean that the students didn’t do anything. We carried out our tasks mainly online – we organised nationwide webinars, not only for UPWr students, to which we invited specialists in the field of infectious diseases of companion animals. We also organised an online conference devoted to this subject, and the students co-wrote papers published in industry veterinary magazines – says Dr. Klimowicz-Body, adding that the most interesting projects of the club participants so far concerned, among others, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on vaccine trends among dog owners in Poland. Students also conducted bioacoustic research on bees in the Owl Mountains and other regions of Lower Silesia, or took part in the international research project "Assessment of teaching programs at veterinary universities in the world in the field of "One Health".

Fortunately, the club has started implementing scientific plans from the beginning of this academic year. Students participate in their own research and research carried out by the Department of Epizootiology in the field of laboratory analyzes, studies of scientific texts and literature reviews.

– At the same time, we have opened ourselves to the interests of our members. SKN AnthraX doesn’t focus only on infectious diseases anymore, but also on public health, problems in the reproduction of companion animals, bioacoustics – emphasises the club's mentor, adding that members of the club have recently applied for funding for independent research projects. – And now we are just waiting for the  decision! - emphasises Dr. Małgorzata Klimowicz-Bodys.

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