From 13 to 17 July 2026, another edition of the Young Scientists Summer School took place at the institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The event brought together 47 pupils from across Slovakia, who spent a week working on scientific projects at 11 SAS institutes in Bratislava. One of the host institutions was the Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
At IMMM SAS, the young participants had the opportunity to discover the world of materials research directly where it takes place – in our laboratories. Under the guidance of researchers, they learned how material properties are investigated, how experiments are designed and evaluated, and why understanding the behaviour of materials is important for industry, energy, transport and modern technologies.
Science is not merely a collection of ready-made answers
During the week, the participants discovered that scientific work is not only about textbook knowledge and correct answers. Above all, it involves observation, asking questions, testing assumptions, working with results and identifying connections.
Our colleagues introduced the young participants to the everyday work of researchers and showed them how an initial question gradually develops into an experiment, a measurement and, ultimately, a result that must be explained clearly. The participants also became familiar with the environment of a scientific institution and learned about the importance of safe and responsible conduct in laboratories.
Their interest, numerous questions and enthusiasm for experiencing scientific work first-hand were the greatest reward for us. We are pleased to help broaden young people’s scientific horizons, introduce them to opportunities they may not have known about and encourage their curiosity, creativity and desire to explore.
Research was complemented by a shared educational programme
The participants in the Young Scientists Summer School did not spend the entire week in laboratories. The programme also included lectures and accompanying activities focused on topics that extend beyond individual scientific disciplines.
“The Summer School is not only about experiments. It is also about safety, cooperation and responsibility. This is why the participants completed introductory occupational safety training led by experts from Školboz s.r.o. This year, we built the programme around topics that are particularly important for today’s generation – critical thinking, artificial intelligence, environmental protection and safe conduct in a professional environment,” added Alena Opálková Šišková, organiser of the Summer School.
The participants learned about the changes that take place in the adolescent brain, discussed the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence and explored the principles of communication between humans and machines. The programme also included a visit to the Volkswagen Slovakia production plant in Bratislava and a shared afternoon on the SAS campus devoted to the protection of trees and forests, organised together with representatives of WWF Slovakia.
The Young Scientists Summer School culminated in a final poster presentation. The individual teams presented the results of the projects they had worked on during the week and shared what they had discovered.
For the young participants, this was an opportunity not only to summarise the knowledge they had gained, but also to experience an important part of scientific work – presenting their methods, results and conclusions clearly to an audience.
At the end of the Summer School, all participants received certificates confirming their completion of the 2026 Young Scientists Summer School. The certificates were presented by Martin Nosko, a member of the SAS Presidium.
Thanks to our colleagues and the organisers
We would like to thank all our colleagues at IMMM SAS who prepared the scientific programme, guided the participants through the laboratories and devoted their time, experience and energy to the event.
Special thanks go to the ALL4Science civic association for its excellent organisation, commitment and enthusiasm in preparing the Young Scientists Summer School each year. It is thanks to the team’s systematic work, energy and ability to connect scientific institutions that an event of genuine value to young people can take place.
We would also like to thank the Presidium of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Kooperativa Insurance Foundation, whose financial support contributed to the implementation of the event.
We believe that the participants left IMMM SAS not only with new knowledge and memorable experiences, but also with the understanding that science can be engaging, creative and open to anyone willing to ask questions, experiment and search for answers. We are already looking forward to next year’s edition.
Text: S. Múčková
Photos: ALL4Science, S. Múčková
