TEDxUMED 2025, which took place on Saturday, 6 December at the Teaching Centre, is now behind us — and it was an edition that showed the enormous power of courage, knowledge, authenticity and diversity of human stories.

The event was accompanied by the Science Clubs Fair organised by the Student Scientific Society as part of the I’m Gonna Be a Scientist conference. Over 60 science clubs presented their projects and activities, attracting students interested in scientific development and research work.

Each of the speakers brought something unique to the TEDxUMED stage — experience, knowledge, passion and their own story:

Zofia Kulewicz — personal stylist, co-founder of the Ansin brand and author of Filozophia Stylu (The Philosophy of Style), who in her talk “The speed of trends, decision fatigue — Why do we still say “I have nothing to wear”? — showed how fashion affects our well-being and everyday choices.

Alan Surajewski — psychologist, actor and polyglot, who in his moving speech ‘Transforming fear into strength’ proved that courage is a decision that shapes our tomorrow.

Joanna Jacaszek — doctor and neonatology resident, creator of @joannawmedycynie. Her speech ‘Where life begins — and we are still learning’ reminded us that in medicine, no one is born with experience.

Dr Kamil Kornicki — internal medicine specialist and certified somnologist, who in his lecture ‘When night turns into a battlefield’ explained what he learns from patients with sleep disorders.

Irena Owsiak — a dietitian and creator of Healthy Omnomnom, who in her speech ‘How not to shorten your life with diet’ showed that caring for your health does not have to mean giving up pleasure.

Adrianna Rasmus-Czternasta — a doctor and Polish language specialist, who in her lecture ‘Medicine as a humanistic science’ proved that both fields are connected by sensitivity to people.

Prof. Piotr Sieroszewski — an expert in foetal medicine, who shared his knowledge about caring for high-risk pregnancies.

Bogumiła Siedlecka-Goślicka (Anioł na Resorach) — an influencer and author, whose speech ‘Once a dream, now everyday life’ was a manifesto of courage and hope.

Dr Daria Charytonowicz — a plastic surgeon who, in her lecture ‘Fanaberie’ (Fads), talked about how appearance and mental health intertwine in everyday medical practice.

Krzysztof Wernicki — anaesthesiologist and internet creator, who in his speech ‘I quit my dream job. Three times.’ talked with humour and honesty about finding his place in medicine.

Angelika Szymańska (@gini.gina) — a doctor and health educator who showed how important it is to talk about mental and physical health.

Prof. Adam Durczyński — an expert in surgery and transplantology, who in his lecture ‘Everything you would like to know about transplantology…’ opened the door to the world of life-saving therapies.

Prof. Aleksandra Lesiak — a paediatric dermatologist whose lecture ‘There are no ordinary cases — children, skin and the right to a voice’ raised awareness of the importance of sensitivity and support for patients with rare skin diseases.

Dr Katarzyna Muras-Szwedziak — internist, nephrologist and rheumatologist, known as the ‘Polish Dr House’, who in her lecture ‘That’s your beauty’ introduced the world of rare diseases.

Mateusz Ostrowski (Business Lawyer) — an internet creator who showed how to talk about the law in simple terms and inspire people to run their businesses consciously.

Dr Paweł Kabata — a surgical oncologist and author of the blog ‘Chirurg Paweł’ (Surgeon Paweł), who in his speech ‘At all costs…’ talked about boundaries and responsibility in medicine.

Aga Szuścik — gynaecological educator and author of ‘GinekoLOGICZNIE’ (Gynecologically), who in her lecture ‘Health in your knickers, shame in the bin’ demystified the taboo surrounding intimate health.

It is worth noting that the originator of the TEDx organisation at the Medical University of Łódź is Katarzyna Kwas-Sarnacka, MD, a graduate of the Medical University of Łódź, a student at the International Doctoral School since 2023, and an Ambassador for Individual Study Programmes. Since 2024, she has been a resident in gynaecology and obstetrics at the Central Clinical Hospital in Łódź and a supervisor of the Student Research Club of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Her determination made this unique project possible.

We would also like to thank the entire TEDxUMED 2025 organising team for their passion, commitment and attention to every detail. It is your work that has enabled participants to experience an inspiring and emotional day.

TEDxUMED 2025 could not have taken place without the organisational support of the Promotion Office and the Foundation for the Medical University of Łódź.

This year’s edition was held under the patronage of the Mayor of Łódź, the Marshal of the Łódź Province, the Rector of the Medical University of Łódź and the Młodzi w Łodzi (Youth in Łódź) programme.

We would like to thank all the speakers, partners and participants for creating a space full of ideas that have the power to change the world.