Discoverers’ Day at the Ochota Campus 2026 “Science from the Inside”

27 03 2026

On March 21, 2026, the 12th edition of the Ochota Campus Discovery Day (DOKO) was held at the Ochota Campus of the University of Warsaw under the theme “Science from the Inside”. The event attracted many participants, mainly primary and secondary school students, as well as anyone interested in exploring science in practice.

DOKO’26 opened with a multi-lecture titled “Science from the Inside” in the main lecture hall of the Faculty of Physics. One of the speakers was Dr. Agnieszka Mroczek, who presented the properties of beetroot and its potential as a Polish superfood.

As part of the workshops organised by the staff and students of the Faculty of Biology, participants took part in classes on RNA isolation and its analysis using electrophoresis, work with microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi, and water analysis), identification of microorganisms and laboratory work, research on plant stress and molecular biology techniques, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in protein research.

The Faculty of Biology’s popular science stands offered activities such as learning how to recognise edible plants, with a focus on the practical aspects of biology in everyday life, as well as an introduction to the basics of how the immune system works. In addition, Dr Piotr Bernatowicz and Dr Takao Ishikawa presented their original series of weekly lectures entitled The More Interesting Side of Biology, dedicated to secondary school students and planned for the 2026/2027 academic year.

During DOKO’26, participants also had the opportunity to visit the laboratories of the Faculty of Biology, which was a great chance to talk directly with researchers, learn about research equipment, and see scientific methods in practice.

There were also opportunities for integration and educational fun. A campus field game allowed participants to test their knowledge of science and life sciences through puzzles and tasks. More than 30 teams took part in the competition.

The entire event ended in the lecture hall of the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Warsaw with an impressive show entitled A Little Light in the Chemical Kitchen. At the end, prizes were also awarded to the winners of the field game, the most dedicated participants, and those who solved the quiz without any mistakes.

Throughout the event, young people interested in studying at the faculties of the Ochota Campus could receive first-hand information from students and staff, as well as from representatives of the University of Warsaw Career Office and the University of Warsaw Admissions Office, who were happy to share their knowledge and experience.

the Discoverers’ Day at the Ochota Campus at the University of Warsaw was co-organized by the the faculties of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, Medicine, and Psychology, as well as cooperating units such as the Centre of New Technologies, the Heavy Ion Laboratory (Cyclotron), the Biological and Chemical Research Centre, the College of Interfaculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MISMaP), and the University Centre for Environmental and Sustainable Development Studies.

Thank you for joining us this year, and we warmly invite you to DOKO next year!

Photo. Mirek Kaźmierczak, Aleksandra Więch