The Science Café, established at the world’s leading universities as a platform to facilitate informal scientific discussions and building new connections, was founded at the University of Business and Technology (BTU) on November 10, 2023 – International Science Day.
The Science Café is envisioned as an interactive space for BTU’s academic staff, researchers, PhD students and young scientists. It aims to strengthen connections between the scientific community and private sector, including industry and representatives from governmental and international organizations. It serves as a place for new research ideas and collaborative projects initiated by PhD students and young scientists.
BTU’s Science Café is a part of the international platform sciencecafes.org, where the practices of the worlds’ best universities are shared.
BTU’s Science Café aims to promote:
- Scientific communication among young scientists;
- Interdisciplinary conversations and discussions that go beyond academic boundaries, encouraging collaboration between young scientists from various fields and industries;
- Knowledge sharing and transfer – creating a platform where PhD students share their research, knowledge, and experiences with colleagues, other students, and society;
- The initiation of interdisciplinary dialogue – facilitating collaboration on topics that are relevant and aligned with the research priorities of the Business and Technology University;
- Professional development – offering PhD students and young scientists opportunities to develop their communication and presentation skills tailored to the business sector’s interests.
The first Science Café event for PhD students and young scientists was held on November 10, 2023. The PhD students presented their research topics that was followed by thematic discussions in parallel groups. Several joint research projects were initiated and presented to the BTU administrative team.
On June 14, 2024, an award ceremony was held for Professor K. Burkadze – the laureate of Science Prize, followed by a discussion of her scientific research. In addition to this, the presentation of Professor V. Svanadze’s book “Cybersecurity Policy, Management Strategy, and Recommendations” took place, that was followed by the PhD students’ debates on Security in the Era of Digital Transformation.
During the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, a competition for student projects is planned. In addition, the public presentation of the winners of the competition will take place within the Science Café space.