In the third edition of the University of Almeria’s science popularisation competition, Solaima Belachqer, from the Chemical Engineering Department, has won first place. The competition, which evaluates new researchers in three key blocks – interest, communication and creativity – was decided by a few tenths of a point, highlighting the quality of the participants.
Belachqer won by presenting his innovative methodology for purifying waste water, a research that captured the attention of the jury and the public. On receiving the prize, Belachqer confessed: “I honestly didn’t expect to be first. You always have that excitement because there is a lot of work behind it, and you always try to do your best, but you are always left with that uncertainty at the last minute. Although I am very happy, to be honest; I still can’t believe it”.
The winner highlighted the importance of popularising science, describing it as “complementary to everything we do”. According to her, this activity brings the work carried out in laboratories, which is often unknown to non-experts, closer to the general public.
For the time being, Belachqer prefers to focus on her research, which she entered in the competition using war as a backdrop, adding an extra, reflective dimension to her project.
