PhD candidate Robin Cowper wins Breaking Science 2022
Robin Cowper (faculty of Science) won the annual pitch competition Breaking Science of Utrecht University. On Monday May 30th, the PhD candidate in the field of plant-microbe interactions best explained his research to the audience of laymen.
The eight finalists of Breaking Science were asked to explain their research and passion for science to a lay audience... in just three minutes.
Houseplant Boris
No PowerPoint slides were allowed during the pitches, however props were allowed so long they could be carried on stage by the participant. Robin took the stage together with a rather sick-looking houseplant named Boris. Using poor Boris as an example, Robin showed how plants communicate and ‘cry for help’ by sending chemicals up into the air and down through the earth. With perfect comedic timing and the confidence of an experienced theatre actor, Robin brought across the intricacies and the fun of plant health research.
Content, clarity and charisma
The past few weeks family, friends and colleagues already got a glimpse of the fascinating world of our researchers. In total 33 scientists participated in Breaking Science 2022 and took the stage during four heats. The jury, which consisted of a science journalist and a researcher, judged the pitches based on three criteria: content, clarity and charisma.
Certificate worth €1.500
At the end of the final, the jury selected the very first contestant of the final as the winner. According to the jury, Robin set the bar very high for the other contestants. Margot van der Starre, vice president of the executive board of Utrecht University, presented Robin with his certificate. He won €1.500 to spend on a conference or summer school of his choice.