STEAM Slam: Successful secondary school projects presented at FIT BUT

The Faculty of Information Technology at Brno University of Technology (FIT BUT) hosted STEAM Slam at the end of June – a showcase of successful secondary school projects in science and technical disciplines. The event was organized by JCMM and included young researchers sharing their experiences on the path to university studies and research, a tour of FIT BUT’s modern laboratories, and an interactive lecture on the brain and mind. Digital workshops were offered in a specially adapted truck provided by partner FabLab University.

The STEAM Slam showcase of high school projects was hosted this year by FIT BUT. | Author: Václav Koníček

Participants from secondary schools across the South Moravian Region were welcomed by JCMM director Miloš Šifalda, who highlighted the playfulness and joy that comes from discovery and exploration. Opening remarks were also delivered by Miroslav Doupovec, mathematician and Vice-Rector for Studies at Brno University of Technology. “BUT covers all traditional technical disciplines, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science, but also architecture and fine arts. It offers above-standard conditions and equipment for studying. If you want to advance in what interests you over the summer, I can also recommend a range of summer schools at BUT, such as the Summer IT School for Girls right here at FIT,” he mentioned and thanked JCMM and the City of Brno for their support of students and higher education.

The main part of the event featured presentations of research results by members of STEAM clubs – secondary school students who worked during the past academic year on twelve technical and scientific topics. In line with the STEAM acronym they combined science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in solving real-world problems.

One of the teams explored whether artificial intelligence is smarter than humans. Another had the opportunity to learn about the work of architects from the Brno City Architect's Office, which is responsible for city planning. Topics also included molecular biology and the study of pathogens transmitted by ticks, research in computational linguistics, and remote sensing of Earth.

Six STEAM clubs consulted their projects with mentors at BUT. At the Institute of Machine and Industrial Design of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME BUT), the focus was on two topics: prototyping parts for RC car models using 3D printing and mechanics of human joints. At the same faculty, the Institute of Solid Mechanics, Mechatronics and Biomechanics hosted a team researching applications of 3D technologies like scanning and printing in medical practice. At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication (FEEC BUT), mentors guided young researchers through the fields of biomedical engineering and modern electronics design. Finally, at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the focus was on the future of water management, dams, water purification, and flood protection.

Presentation by a club researching tick-borne pathogens. | Author: Václav Koníček

Instructors from FEKT BUT guided the young researchers through the design of modern electronics. | Author: Václav Koníček

University as a Personal Challenge and What SOČ Is Good For

The program also included a panel discussion featuring three young researchers and one female scientist from various departments of BUT. Anton Firc from FIT BUT studies the impact of voice deepfakes on computer security. Karel Juřík from FEEC BUT works on developing a low-pressure plasma source to power satellites in low Earth orbit. Aleš Kraml from FME BUT creates models of the behavior of electric machines under load and explores the interaction of electricity, heat, and mechanics. Veronika Řeháková from the Faculty of Chemistry at BUT researches bioplastics produced by bacteria as an alternative to conventional plastics, and also described her research internship in Malaysia.

Panel discussion of scientists from BUT about their path to study and research at the university. | Author: Oto Janoušek

Some panelists said their deeper interest in their field only developed toward the end of secondary school or during university. “For me, chemistry was a personal challenge—to see if I could actually study something like that. At first, I struggled at university, but then I got into it. I kept improving because I began to enjoy it more and more,” said Veronika Řeháková.

The transition from secondary school to university was described by panelists as challenging. “University requires a lot of self-organization and effort. It’s a different format than secondary school. To exaggerate a bit, nothing happens for half the semester and then suddenly you have all your exams,” explained Karel Juřík. Veronika Řeháková added: “In elementary and secondary school, you’re a bit weird if you’re a nerd, and at university, you’re weird if you’re not. The perspective changes here.”

Veronika Řeháková from the Faculty of Chemistry BUT presented her research internship in Malaysia. | Author: Oto Janoušek

Anton Firc emphasized the importance of visiting the university where you want to study. “When deciding which university to attend, make sure to visit. You’ll see whether you like the faculty and city—it reveals a lot about whether you’ll be happy there.”

Two of the panelists also had experience with the Secondary School Professional Activity (SOČ) during secondary school and agreed that it gave them important contacts and valuable insight into university environments.

"Through SOČ and STEAM clubs, secondary school students can try out fields they think they might be interested in and find out whether that’s really the case. Even discovering that something isn’t what it seemed is important and helps guide a student toward their chosen field," added Alena Hynková, JCMM's SOČ and STEAM club expert coordinator.

Jump into SOČ with JCMM!

JCMM focuses on supporting talented secondary school and university students and developing education in the South Moravian Region. It offers a wide range of activities, such as competitions, workshops, conferences, and projects aimed at developing scientific and innovation skills among young people. Examples include STEAM clubs, support for SOČ – a competition for secondary school students solving professional problems – or support for doctoral students in science and technology fields through the Brno Ph.D. Talent scholarship competition.