Winner Breaking Science announced: Elena Domínguez Valdés!
Wednesday evening, May 28, marked the finals of Breaking Science 2025. Eight finalists competed for the title and the prize worth 1,500 euros. PhD student in Paleoclimatology Elena Domínguez Valdés received the prize.
Elena aims to better understand climate change with her research. How does she do that? She becomes, as she calls herself, actually a historian of the Earth. Her history books act as are microfossils, so to speak. Domínguez Valdés: “It turns out that these little creatures kept track of how cold or warm the ocean was when they lived. Not only that, they did so in a language we understand: chemistry! By learning from Earth's deep past, we will be better equipped to guide the future."
In three minutes, Elena managed to convince the judges with her research pitch. She managed to incorporate the three Cs (Content, Clarity and Connection), which the judges judge by, into her pitch with verve.
Participating in Breaking Science was a joy and a privilege!
About Breaking Science
Breaking Science is organized annually. A total of 29 participants, phd's and postdocs, entered the pitch contest this year. As part of Breaking Science, the participants started with a training from the professionals of Artesc. A unique experience in which they learn how to design a pitch, how to bring it to the stage and how to address the audience.
After the training, it's time for the preliminary rounds. There are a total of four so-called heats where up to eight participants compete for the final spot. In each heat, two winners emerge who eventually advance to the finals.