Breaking Stereotypes: A Night of Science and Conversation at European Researchers’ Night 2024 in Novi Sad

At this year’s European Researchers’ Night in Novi Sad, held on September 27, 2024, Dr. Sanja Kojic, from the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad, participated in the “Coffee with Scientists” segment of the program. Engaging with visitors, Dr. Kojic answered questions about her work as a researcher, breaking the common stereotype of the profession. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:

When people ask you, ‘What do you do for a living?’ they rarely expect the answer, ‘I am a Researcher.’ Then come the looks and the silence, as if you had said, ‘Doc Brown.’ Some burst out laughing in surprise, the shy ones remain silent, and the bolder ones ask, ‘So what exactly do you do?’. This year, I must admit I enjoyed answering similar questions during the Researchers’ Night 2024 at the ‘Coffee with Scientists’ event.”

Dr. Kojic also had the opportunity to hear diverse opinions on electronics and microfluidics and their potential impact on our lives and future. During the event, visitors of all ages explored the world of paper microfluidics through a workshop organized under the PHOENIX-OoC project, inspiring curiosity and discussion about this fascinating field.