Last year, I started working on my project focused on reducing bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics. After going through various articles, experimenting repeatedly, and refining my methods, I finally saw promising results. Luckily, that also led me to the incredible opportunity of attending the European Union Contest for Young Scientists 2025 (EUCYS) in Riga, Latvia, and the MILSET Expo-Sciences International 2025 (ESI) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this September.
EUCYS 2025
Arriving at EUCYS, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was meeting some of the brightest young scientists from across Europe and when I read their projects they were incredibly impressive! From an eye cancer detection tool to creative math applications like origami, every project was so unique and well thought out.
But the best moments weren’t just the science. Icebreakers, cultural evenings, and long chats with participants from around Europe and the globe made the experience so much more enjoyable! The jury was supportive, and the atmosphere was collaborative rather than competitive. Being there felt so cultivating and made me even more motivated to pursue science.
ESI 2025
Just a week after EUCYS, I found myself in Abu Dhabi for MILSET ESI, and everything felt enormous; the venue, the number of participants (2,000!) and the energy in the air. The fair had a completely different atmosphere from Europe, but at its core, it was still all about science and cultural exchange.
The cultural evening was, without a doubt, the highlight of the event. I met students from all around the world: Mexico, Luxembourg, Chile, Morocco, UAE… Traditions, dancing, music, and food from all over the world came together in one room. I wrote my name Chinese name, played Thai games danced with students from Chile.
(Side note: I discovered that in Mexico, candy is actually spicy and they add spices to literally everything haha!)
Overall, the experience felt incredibly enriching. I felt so grateful to have this opportunity at my age. Seeing past participants still in contact with the friends they made, and how the experience shaped their paths, made me realize just how special these fairs are. I know this is something I will look back on for years to come!
Kawtar