MSc. Agnieszka Cudek
phone: +4812 664 41 35; +48 795 545 750
e-mail: agnieszka.cudek@uj.edu.pl
MSc. Dagmara Chylewska - Olech
phone: 12 644 40 62; 511 979 750
e-mail: d.chylewska@uj.edu.pl
MSc. Eng. Joanna Kowalik
phone: +48 12 664 41 42; +48 506 006 630
e-mail: jk.kowalik@uj.edu.pl
MSc. Natalia Zapart
phone: +48 12 664 41 38; +48 453 689 818
e-mail: natalia.zapart@uj.edu.pl
Skill Academy is a unique educational project implemented by the National SOLARIS Centre. Aimed at teachers and youth aged 12-19, the project combines science with practice, utilizing the advanced research infrastructure of the synchrotron. Its goal is to popularize the exact sciences, foster a passion for scientific research, and inspire young minds to build careers in highly specialized fields.
As part of this 24-month project, we have prepared a rich program of activities that engage and educate. We offer tours of the accelerator laboratories and cryo-microscopy lab, workshops based on Game-Based Learning techniques, and competitions for students and teachers.
Skill Academy provides an opportunity for a unique journey into the world of science, technology, and innovation, opening new educational and professional perspectives for young people.
Do you have questions, want to schedule a group tour, or learn more about the workshops and competitions? Write to us at: solaris.pl@uj.edu.pl
The activities described below are independent events. Participating in one does not commit you to participating in subsequent ones.
The project has been co-financed from the state budget granted by the Minister of Science in the framework of the programme Social Responsibility of Science II.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is based on an audio guide system. Participants will learn about the structure of the SOLARIS accelerator system, the cryo-microscopy facility, and examples of research conducted using synchrotron radiation and cryo-microscopy.
Do you have questions, want to schedule a group visit, or learn more? Write to: zwiedzanie.solaris@uj.edu.pl
The subject of the competition is the collaborative development of an original scientific poster depicting the synchrotron accelerator system, using the SOLARIS synchrotron as an example. Classes from primary and secondary schools aged 12-19 can participate, submitted by a teacher or guardian.
The prize for the 30 best posters will be an invitation for the winning classes to workshops at SOLARIS conducted using Game-Based Learning techniques.
The third round of the competition is underway! We are waiting for the posters until 30.09.2026.
The scientific poster developed by the class team, modeled after scientific teams, should: a) visually and substantively represent the operation of accelerator systems using the SOLARIS synchrotron as an example, b) present the complexity and significance of synchrotrons in scientific research, c) highlight the interdisciplinarity and impact of synchrotrons on various fields of science (physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, archaeology, etc.).
The prepared scientific poster must:
a) be formatted in B1 size (portrait),
b) include drawings, diagrams, infographics, photographs, and brief scientific descriptions,
c) be prepared in a clear and aesthetic manner,
d) contain elements of teamwork – assignment of specific tasks to team members (e.g., person responsible for graphics, text editing, data analysis, etc.).
The content presented on the poster should be scientific in nature. The use of pseudoscientific content is not permitted.
The regulations and participation conditions are available in the document by clicking on the active link.
The main goal of the competition is to encourage young people to study STEM subjects, to cultivate teamwork skills modeled after scientific teams, to deepen knowledge about accelerator systems and their applications in scientific research, and to develop creativity and skills in visually presenting scientific knowledge.
Do you have questions or want to learn more? Write to: solaris.pr@uj.edu.pl
Let me know if you need any further assistance!
The objective of the competition is for teachers to prepare an original lesson plan using an educational game.
The prize for the 400 best lesson plans is a copy of the educational game for use in classroom activities.
More information coming soon.
Do you have questions or want to learn more? Write to: solaris.pr@uj.edu.pl
The workshops organized as part of the Skill Academy provide a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of modern accelerator technologies and scientific research conducted at the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS. The program is aimed at primary and secondary school students who want to discover science in a practical and engaging way.
Thirty winning groups/classes, which develop the best posters as part of the student competition (see above), will participate in the workshops.
During the workshops, participants will learn how a synchrotron works, discover how synchrotron radiation is generated, and understand how it is used in various fields of science—from biology and chemistry to physics and archaeology. The activities will combine theory with practice, enabling students to experiment independently and collaborate on scientific issues.
An integral part of the workshops is an innovative educational game that explains complex concepts related to accelerators and research methods in an accessible way. Through this game, participants take on the role of scientists conducting their own experiments, as well as learning about the processes and challenges involved in working at research centers.
The Skill Academy is not only an opportunity to gain knowledge but also an inspiration for further development in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields. Workshop participants will enhance their critical thinking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills.
Do you have questions or want to know more? Write to: solaris.pr@uj.edu.pl
The educational game from the Skill Academy is an innovative teaching tool that allows students to understand the workings of a synchrotron and the significance of scientific research based on synchrotron radiation in an accessible and engaging way. Designed with school-age youth in mind, its interactive format makes learning a true adventure.
Players take on the roles of teams of scientists whose task is to conduct research at the terminal stations of research lines. Throughout the gameplay, participants learn about various experimental techniques and discover how synchrotron radiation aids in groundbreaking discoveries in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and materials engineering. Every decision in the game impacts research progress, and the goal is to gain as much scientific reputation as possible and publish results in prestigious journals.
The game offers two levels of difficulty: a basic mode designed for younger players and those with special educational needs, and an advanced mode where participants build their own synchrotron and learn in detail how it works—from the linear accelerator to the storage ring. This way, everyone can tailor the gameplay experience to their skills and interests.
The game set includes research task cards, a board depicting synchrotron infrastructure, and educational materials to support teachers in conducting lessons. Additionally, special lesson plans have been developed to help utilize the game in both formal and informal education.
The Skill Academy educational game is not only a great fun but also an effective method for popularizing science and developing analytical skills. It helps students better understand the role of modern technologies in scientific research, inspires them to choose careers in the STEM fields, and demonstrates that science can be an exciting adventure.
Do you have questions or want to learn more? Write to: solaris.pr@uj.edu.pl
