"I see that people really appreciate what we are doing" and not even the language challenge stops the sharing at PubhD Coimbra
"Talking neurons: how communication between neurons in the brain works" was Elisa Corti's presentation at PubhD Coimbra. The student, who is part of the Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra, was one of the speakers in the May session.
Why did you decide to participate in PubhD Coimbra?
At the beginning I was a bit unsure whether I should participate because yes, I can speak Portuguese, but it's not easy for me. But in the end, every time I try to participate in a science communication event, like the European Researchers' Night, I see that people really appreciate what we are doing. And talking about the brain is always something really cool, there is not much that is known and seeing people having fun and enjoying it is something that makes up for everything for me, and that's why I thought: ok, let's do it!
How was your experience in this edition of PubhD Coimbra?
The main challenge was really the language, because it's the first event I've done completely in Portuguese. And that is a big problem for me. I even brought a speech, I studied it. But at the end, when I went on stage, I didn't follow it. I just spoke with what was in my head. And at the beginning I was a bit shy to speak, I felt more relaxed afterwards, and the fact that I had my friends in the audience helped a lot. It was fun. Yes, it was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the experience.
Would you advise other colleagues to participate?
I have already advised! My friends who are sitting there, and have already said that some will take part (even when they are more comfortable with the language). But yes, it's definitely something worth doing.