The Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University offered visitors to the Science and Technology Festival practical demonstrations from the fields of midwifery and nutritional therapy – ranging from pregnancy simulations and positioning expectant mothers in augmented reality to body composition measurements.
The Brno Exhibition Centre experienced its traditional invasion of scientists and science enthusiasts during the first weekend of September. The annual Festival of Science and Technology took place here, featuring more than one hundred stands presented by dozens of scientific and technological institutions, popular education organisations, academic institutes, universities, private companies and associations. Masaryk University and its Faculty of Medicine were, of course, also among the participants.
This year, our Faculty was represented by representatives of the Midwifery study programme, led by Dominika Králová, and Nutritional Therapy, with a stand prepared by Leona Mužíková. On Friday, curious visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the profession of a midwife, including how midwives are trained. The more adventurous could try on a special weighted vest simulating pregnancy or experience positioning an expectant mother using augmented reality, a technology that is already being incorporated into teaching.
Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to nutritional therapists, marking the fifth anniversary of the operation of the NutriMUNI Nutritional Therapy Clinic. While the youngest visitors could build a food pyramid out of blocks or assemble organs on a plastic human body model, their parents could have their body composition measured using an InBody device. Interest was enormous, the queue was continuous, and our nutritional therapists provided at least a basic consultation to approximately 400 people.
In addition, the booth showcasing these two academic programs served as a “medical corner” decorated in red throughout the festival, in conjunction with presentations by St. Anne’s University Hospital and the International Center for Clinical Research. Over the weekend, the booth hosted research groups led by Michal Masařík and Jan Frič, the Cannabis Facility conducting research on medical cannabis, and the transfusion department with its blood donation program.
Overall, “Brno’s biggest science show” attracts more than 10,000 visitors every year, and this year was no exception. “The good feeling from the entire event, the enthusiasm of the visitors and the sparkle in the performers’ eyes are proof that we have done a solid job of popularising science and technology,” says Jiří Dušek, Director of the Brno Observatory and Planetarium, which has been the event’s main organiser for many years.
More than 600 students attended this year’s JobMED career fair, which featured 32 exhibitors, an expert conference, and hands-on workshops. The event once again connected healthcare students with professionals from practice and potential future employers.
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