Young researchers from all over the world once again gathered in Luxembourg, exchanged ideas and presented their projects at the Luxembourg International Science Expo.
From small inventions that make everyday life easier to artificial intelligence helping to detect diseases – the Luxembourg International Science Expo, or LISE, showcases the creativity, curiosity and technical talent of the younger generation.
It is an international science fair where young scientists present their creative and innovative ideas in the fields of technology, environment, natural sciences and digitalisation. At the Victor Hugo Hall in Limpertsberg, an open day was held to present the range of international scientific projects to the public.
The goal of the expo is to inspire young people to pursue research and to offer them a platform where they can share their ideas and discoveries with the world. It’s not about who has the biggest or most advanced machine, but about who brings passion and innovation into research.
This year, 56 groups from 27 countries took part according to Sousana Eang, Director of the Fondation Jeunes Scientifiques Luxembourg (FJSL). Eang explains:
"The programme lasts five days and includes cultural exchange activities where young people have the opportunity to discuss their own cultures, which is wonderful, but also to discover the Grand Duchy. There is also a scientific component where young people come to present their own scientific projects and exchange ideas."
To be able to participate, participants have to independently develop their own project in advance often as part of national student fairs or local competitions. The most original and fascinating ideas then make it to the LISE stage.
For example, Tunisian Youssef Aoun presented his AI chatbot, which recommends a job that best suits a person based on their own information. "My project is based on a theory called Job Crafting, which focuses on a person's interests, goals and skills. It can help people who are not comfortable in their job or with their colleagues. For those who feel that they are better than their job, that they have more knowledge and are more educated than the job requires."
Three groups of young researchers flying the flag for the Grand Duchy were rewarded for their projects in a young scientists competition in March.
One of the groups developed a robot that will able to help pick up and recycle trash Darius Ferent was responsible for the technical part of the project:
"At the moment, the robot can detect a ball. Once it recognises the ball, it can move it toward a predetermined location, where a trash bin is placed. The goal is for it to be able to identify different types of waste and then recycle them into the appropriate bins. It should also be able to operate on different surfaces and in various environments, such as on a beach."
LISE is not a competition, but a platform for exchange where young researchers learn with each other rather than compete against one another, and demonstrate the creativity and technical knowledge of the younger generation.
