A missed deadline = an unexpected opportunity

I really wanted to attend the WaterMicro2025 conference, a fantastic event on water microbiology. But by the time I was ready to apply, it was too late, the abstract submission was closed.

Then I noticed an option I hadn’t encountered before in the scientific world: a creative presentation. So I decided to give it a go.

I talked about our SuperPlasma technology and its use for virus inactivation in water, presenting it as a story with comic elements, audience engagement, and even a musical surprise 🎶.

The presentation went great, thanks to the amazing audience who laughed when I tried to be funny, responded to all my prompts and even gave me an ovation before the end of my talk 🥲. Afterwards, I received such positive feedback that I felt genuinely baffled. Thank you all ❤️.

Most importantly, the message of our work was so well received that I’m hopeful it will help push science forward and inspire better solutions to complex challenges 🌍.

Kudos to the organizers for the excellent event, and to all the fellow scientists for their inspiring talks.

📸 Photo by Tanja Zlender (thanks!).