The meeting was opened by the Depyt Research Director, Profesor Rafał Junosza-Szaniawski, and Helena Ciechowska, a PhD student from the Department of Seismology at IGF PAN and a representative of the IGF PAN PhD Student Council. Next, Profesor Monika Kalinowska, Coordinator of Doctoral Studies at IGF PAN, introduced the new PhD candidates who have just begun their studies at the Institute of Geophysics in the Department of Hydrology and Hydrodynamics:

• Adrian Bróż (International Environmental Doctoral School): “I am a new PhD student focusing on the analysis of seasonal vegetation cover changes in small watercourses using remote sensing techniques. This is essential due to its impact on water flow and mixing. I am a hydrologist and geographer, also interested in socio-economic geography. I am passionate about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, especially Spain and Mexico. Whenever time allows, I travel by hitchhiking, most often to Serbia.”

• Filip Bojdecki (GeoPlanet Doctoral School): “For my PhD, I will be modeling the flow and mixing in small vegetated watercourses, working with Prof. Monika Kalinowska and Adrian Bróż. So far, my research has focused primarily on optics, particularly microscopy (at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, and at the Laser Center in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS). I am now drastically changing fields and plan to develop my skills mainly through learning computer modeling. My hobby is cycling.”

During the event, all participants had the opportunity to sample traditional snacks from the PhD students’ home countries. The tables were filled with delicacies from India, Egypt, Switzerland, Iran, and Poland—savory dishes and sweet treats, both hot and cold. At the end of the event, a vote was held for the tastiest dish, with the winners receiving prizes!

Special thanks go to Helena Ciechowska for her dedication and hard work in organizing this unique event.

Below is a gallery of the delicious treats from the home countries of our doctoral students.