A few weeks ago, we launched the ECLAS project entitled “Scientists in Religious Communities” at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Toruń. On September 6, 2025, the parish community held a Family Parish Festival, during which a Science Festival was organized.
During the festival, scientists from Nicolaus Copernicus University presented experiments in physics, including optics, mechanics, and electricity. Participants could see how lasers work, the properties of electromagnetic waves, and thermal imaging—warmer and cooler places. An interesting feature was a battery made from a lemon. Another team presented renewable energy sources, electricity generation using models of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. The construction and principle of operation of optical fiber was also demonstrated. Participants could take part in an arcade game created by engineers from the Institute of Technical Sciences, and there was also a competition using controlled robotic devices. During the festival, participants had the opportunity to encounter AI, where one of the scientists presented the possibilities offered by artificial intelligence in everyday life. Participants were able to use tools presenting artificial intelligence themselves. The use of AI for religious or devotional purposes was also demonstrated.
The festival was attended by representatives of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Brotherhood of St. James, who presented their costumes, talked about the history and present day of the Ways of St. James, and shared many interesting facts about the Camino. The various activities of the Brotherhood in Toruń and on many of the Ways of St. James in Europe were also presented. Another stand at the festival was occupied by representatives of the medical sciences. Doctors and nurses were present to provide medical information, promote elements of preventive healthcare, and perform diagnostic tests and medical consultations.
The science festival attracted several hundred people interested in the ECLAS project implemented in the parish community. During the festival, further proposals to be implemented during the project were announced, a schedule of meetings and events was distributed, and participants were familiarized with the idea and objectives of the project.
