Guide to student science clubs at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences

• For those interested in chemistry – the OrgChem Student Science Club
• For those interested in biotechnology – the Biotechnologists Student Science Club
• For those interested in food production technology – the Q Food Quality Student Science Club
• For those interested in designing functional plant food – the Fructus Student Science Club
• For those interested in nutrition – the Human Nutrition Student Science Club
• For those interested in discovering unconventional ways of preparing meals – the Molecular Gastronomy Student Science Club
• For those interested in dietetics and food production – the ‘Mixed’ Nutritionists and Catering Technicians Student Science Club

Student science clubs operate at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences at every faculty. At the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences students can develop their interests related, among others, to nutrition, chemistry and laboratory work. In addition to acquiring knowledge and developing passions, student science clubs also enable students to develop soft skills such as self-presentation, improve their practical skills, and create numerous integration opportunities by organising trips and events. 

OrgChem Student Science Club

– We are not only a group of chemistry enthusiasts – in addition to gaining knowledge, working in a laboratory and acting in public space, we also focus on the development of soft skills, work on the quality of our self-presentation and embrace new challenges. We develop an environment in which we are not afraid to make mistakes, because we know that it is a normal part of life – says Patrycja Ziuzia, the chairperson of the society. 

Examples of public activities in which members of the society are involved are a series of 'Journal Club' meetings, during which scientific articles selected by the speakers are discussed, and a series of scientific meetings called 'Kwadrans z naukowcem', regularly organised on Google Meet as open meetings.

As part of their scientific activities, the members of OrgChem Student Science Club also conduct their own research under the supervision of tutors. – This gives us a chance to participate in scientific conferences and present the results of conducted experiments. In addition, we carry out scientific research in the Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences – emphasises the chairwoman.

Biotechnologists Student Science Club

The Biotechnologists Student Science Club lets students delve into the world of microorganisms. – Thanks to work at the laboratory we expand our knowledge and practical skills that will be useful in our future work. While organising activities for children and youth, we also try to encourage future generations to take an interest in biotechnology – says chairperson Marta Cwynar, emphasising that the Biotechnology Student Science Club is about much more than working in a laboratory; it is also time spent together and a lot of fun.

One of the most interesting projects of the Biotechnologists Student Science Club is a project concerning the search for new extremozymes, funded by the Minister of Education and Science as part of the ‘student science clubs Create Innovation’ programme. It involved using food industry waste to biosynthesise enzymes with specific properties. As part of the project they used microorganisms from Norwegian fjords.

Q Food Quality Student Science Club 

The Q Food Quality Student Science Club has been up and running since May 2013. It was formed following a merger of the Sensoryk, Quality Management Systems and Poultry and Egg Technology student science clubs. Its members are dedicated to improving knowledge of food production technology and deepening theoretical and practical knowledge of quality management and analysis. Their most interesting projects include organising training courses on topics such as food safety with the training company LUQAM, a survey on the presence of fruit and vegetables in people' diets and an assessment of the market quality of edible fats, which they presented at a scientific conference. Last year, in addition to surveys, they also managed to conduct laboratory tests, for example on spirulina used to improve the nutritional value of meat products, or to optimise technological processes in the production of gluten-free cupcakes.

Members of the society are also involved in promoting the university and promoting food quality knowledge among children and youth during various meetings, workshops and activities. - And in our free time we integrate on trips, workshops and events. We like to spend time together – says Justyna Janiszewska, chairperson of the society.

Fructus Student Science Club

Members of the Fructus Student Science Club design functional plant-based foods and conduct research on the health-promoting properties of fruit and vegetables, and products made from them. They have already developed, among others, an innovative, natural, health-promoting fruit and vegetable bar, which was awarded during a scientific conference.

As Monika Siniawska, the chairperson of Fructus Student Science Club emphasises, joining the club is a great opportunity for ambitious students who want to expand their knowledge, gain new experience and develop their skills. - In our club we value good work organisation and an intimate atmosphere. We are a small group, which makes us a very close-knit and well-functioning team. There is always a nice and friendly atmosphere here - says the chairperson, adding that because the members are involved in research, they can gain practical knowledge on how to use specialised equipment they don't have the opportunity to work on during classes. - Everyone who joins will enjoy fruitful cooperation - laughs Monika.

Human Nutrition Student Science Club

The Human Nutrition Student Science Club deals with spreading knowledge of and ideas for healthy eating habits. They assess the nutritional situation of different population groups and analyse food. They are determined that food should not only provide energy for daily activities, but should be a conscious choice that has an impact on your physique, well-being and health.

– We want to show that healthy food can be tasty and does not have to be expensive or require time to prepare. We like to experiment with recipes and spend time at meetings where we consciously enjoy what we cook ourselves - says the chairperson of the circle Kamila Koj. 

Molecular Gastronomy Student Science Club

The Molecular Gastronomy Student Science Club was established in 2012. Its members focus on their own individual scientific interests as well as on participating in molecular gastronomy projects and presenting them to the UPWr academic community. They take part in educational projects such as ‘Between Meadows and Forests’ and ‘Orchard and Fire’, which aim to explore the richness of different environments in order to find new sources of food and unknown flavours and aromas. In class they discover unconventional ways of preparing food and explore its impact on food.

The 'Mixed' Nutritionists and Catering Technicians Society

The 'Mixed' Nutritionist and Catering Technicians Student Science Club conducts scientific research in the field of nutrition and food production. They deal with the inaccuracies and misunderstandings inherent in the science of nutrition. - We find answers to questions such as: Are the fish in the Baltic Sea healthy and does the amount of heavy metals in them rule them out of a proper diet? Can lychees fight poisoning and provide immunity? Can diabetes be treated with cookies – how to create sweet cookies that will lower blood glucose? – says chairperson Aleksandra Dołęgowska about the research at her Student Science Club.

In addition, society members often come up with initiatives to help those in need. They support charities and nutritional campaigns. They are currently involved in a project providing food for refugees.