The Children’s Comenius University was attended by 255 students
The ceremonial closing of the 16th year of the Children’s Comenius University took place on 22 August 2018 in the Comenius University Auditorium. After the final lecture, the young attendees received their diplomas in a special graduation ceremony. In addition to Comenius University representatives, the event was attended by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, Dr Oľga Nachtmannová; the Chairman of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, Juraj Droba; and the head of the Arena Theatre, Juraj Kukura.
The children learnt from Professor Vasilios Stavros from the University of Warwick about why the sun can be our enemy. In his lecture, he described how solar radiation works and explained to the children what types of substances (chemical filters) are in sunscreens and how they work. “Chemical filters can absorb ultraviolet radiation just like a sponge absorbs water. In my research, I have been interested in how this takes place. All molecules, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, are important, as are the bonds they create, because they affect how well a chemical substance can absorb ultraviolet radiation,” Professor Stavros said.
In the ensuing discussion, the young audience were interested in what someone should do if they got burnt even after using sunscreen, what were the most effective products today, and what alternatives to sunbathing are available for people who have sensitive skin and find the use of classical sunscreens unpleasant.
The graduation ceremony was attended by 255 children, who had all attended at least five of the eight summer lectures. The Comenius University Rector, Professor Karol Mičieta, told the audience that even great scientists still had a childlike curiosity. “You will take away with you a lot of answers to your probing questions, enjoyment from this adventurous and exciting journey of learning and exploring new things, new experiences, friendships, and a lot of fun. If you are still hungry for knowledge later on in life, then Comenius University may be the right place for your tertiary studies and for finding answers to your questions,” the rector said.
Dr Oľga Nachtmannová from the Ministry of Education commended the broad coverage of knowledge the children’s university had provided: “This children’s university provides a chance for children to explore different spheres of human intellectual endeavour, be that in science, the world of finance, engineering, programming in the IT sector, energy, the wealth of knowledge from the fields of art and sport, and even the work of politicians. This is of great value for you, because in yourselves you can recognize a talent for your various professional interests, and this will open doors to discovering more knowledge and gaining more skills, which will definitely be reflected in your choice of high school and later university.”
The Chairman of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, Juraj Droba, said: “Through your activity, you will convince the older generation that we do not have to worry about our future. I have no doubt that you will become educated and active people who will not seek benefits solely for yourselves but also for our country. And when you are fifteen, try to get a job: a combination of work experience and an academic education will give you necessary life experience.”
This year’s children’s university covered such topics as why the legacy of 1968 and 1989 should be preserved, why police officers can use handcuffs, and why sport is a good life investment. The lecturers included experts from Comenius University in Bratislava and other Slovak universities, one expert from Great Britain, and MEP Eduard Kukan. In addition to lectures, the children visited the National Council of the Slovak Republic, the Volkswagen Slovakia factory, Energoland, and the TA3 television station; they also attended various specialized workshops and had other activities.
More information about the lectures and other aspects of the 16th Children’s Comenius University can be found in the September issue of Naša univerzita (Our university) magazine.
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