The event was hosted by experts from the Faculty of Computer Science at Bialystok University of Technology, Tomasz Grześ, PhD, Eng. and Marcin Skoczylas, PhD, Eng. They passionately introduced the audience to the world of retro-computers.
Marcin Skoczylas, a specialist in signal processing and machine learning, took participants of the Bialystok University of Technology Scientific Café on a journey through the world of 8-bit machines, the demoscene, and the growing popularity of retro games. Meanwhile, Tomasz Grześ, an engineer, computer scientist, and science popularizer, explained the reasons behind the comeback of old computers.
– Old systems were inefficient, which meant programming them required maximum optimization – says Tomasz Grześ, PhD, Eng. – Today, many systems are also inefficient due to the need for energy efficiency. Programming techniques from old computers are returning and starting to play a significant role in modern systems, especially in Internet of Things applications.
What distinguishes the BUT Scientific Café is the opportunity for students to meet experts in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, where conversation does not end with the session.
– Meetings in an informal atmosphere encourage openness, curiosity, and substantive discussion – emphasizes Assoc. Prof.Dorota Mozyrska, PhD, Eng., Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science at BUT. – This way, science can go beyond the walls of the University and be accessible to a wider audience.
The Scientific Café shows that the student–faculty or expert relationship does not have to be rigid or limited solely to the study program.
– During such meetings, we can talk about practically anything – explains Tomasz Grześ, PhD, Eng. – And that is the “added value” for students, which will surely attract them. It is also a chance to showcase other activities we do outside the University in our free time, which are nonetheless closely related to our research and teaching work.
The driving force of scientific development is collaboration and discussion. This is also the goal of the Bialystok University of Technology Scientific Café.
– We want active participation from BUT students – Dean Mozyrska emphasizes. – We want them to see the real connection between what they learn and practical applications and to consciously build their career paths.
Learning does not only take place during classes or spending hours in the library. Science can be encountered everywhere – even in a café.
The first Bialystok University of Technology Scientific Café was held on 11 December at the “Fama” club. The next one is scheduled for 14 January 2026. What will be its topic? Much depends on the students.
– We are open to suggestions for café topics – says Dorota Mozyrska.
The Bialystok University of Technology Scientific Café is organized as part of the project „WINGS PB – Support, Integration, Science, Guarantee of Success with BUT”. The project is co-financed by the European Union.
Katarzyna Kozioł
