Nevertheless, we decided to finish what we started, ending the project by explaining all the nuances and possible solutions. With their decision to reward us for this effort, the judges taught us the value in not giving up, taking our chances, and expecting the unexpected when it comes to doing science.
This is what the entire journey of the SJWP is all about, an endless experience whose target is to not only showcase new innovative ideas, but also entice young people into entering the world of science and research. Show them that they too, can make a change. I have experienced all this first hand, initially in Cyprus through the process of bringing my ideas to life, and then in Sweden, where I represented Cyprus in the SJWP of 2013.
Through this journey, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas with an international audience of experts. I had the honor of meeting the Princess and dine with the King and Queen, in the midst of a spectacular event that even made myself feel like a king, even for just a little! Much more importantly, it gave me the honor of representing my own country.
The most unique and memorable experiences had nothing to do with spectacular celebrations and sceneries though. Those are reserved for my time with the other competitors originating from 31 other countries from all over the world. SJWP is a total experience, a cosmopolitan hub where competition, teamwork, innovation and culture intersect to create something truly special. Words alone cannot describe all that I witnessed during the whole of SJWP, it’s something that you need to live for yourself to understand.
The SJWP journey did not end when I returned to Cyprus. The people of the Water Museum of Lemesos, (the national organizers of SJWP), where still grateful for my efforts in Stockholm. Our partnership continues on to this day. They have invited me to various exhibitions and press events to talk about my experiences, and also linked me with my successors to the competition to guide them in any way I could. They returned the favor by accepting to talk about me in my university applications, and also by promoting me for a new adventure, the “Unleash Innovation lab”.
Unleash, which this year is taking place in Copenhagen, is an initiative of the European Union whose target is to create new ideas and ventures in the realms of environmental and urban sustainability. To do this, the organizers gather together 1.000 scientists between the ages of 20 and 30 for 9 days, placing them in an environment that encourages creative problem solving and collaboration. Unleash has collaborated with SJWP, due to the latter’s credibility in attracting great young scientists.
Using this platform, the Water Museum of the Water Board of Lemesos tried to promote me in order to take part. My application, which consisted of answers to many questions set out by the Committee of Unleash, was accepted and come August 2017 I will be travelling to Copenhagen!
Antonis Antoniades
22 June 2017
