"Falling Walls Lab” is an international pitch and research competition in which students, young researchers, and professionals present their scientific discoveries or social initiatives for three minutes.
During the competition, participants must present prepared materials for exactly three minutes to convince the judges about the significance and impact of their idea. The winners of the local competitions, which take place all around the world, have the opportunity to attend the global finale in Berlin, Germany.
The local Latvian “Falling Walls Lab” competition took place on June 30 in the House of Science of the University of Latvia. Jachin Edward Pousson, a researcher of systematic musicology at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA), also participated in the competition, representing the entire systematic musicology team of the JVLMA and presenting the innovative idea of a technology that allows people to create music and interact musically through the use of their own brain signals (“Brain-Computer Music Interface”). Facing great competition, Jachin Pousson won the third prize and the recognition of the judges by presenting the topic “Breaking the Wall of Inflexible Neurotech”.
The researcher describes his experience: “I was grateful for the chance to participate in the Falling Walls Lab event. The topics were very broad, ranging from medical to political and agricultural solutions, as well as innovative ways to manage wasted materials and energy. It was an interesting and informative look at the landscape of current science projects and research in Latvia, and how they are connected both locally and internationally. I participated with the topic “Breaking the wall of Inflexible Neurotech”, and shared some of the research outcomes and innovative solutions developed at JVLMA in the field of EEG Hyperscanning and Brain-Computer Music Interface (BCMI) design. The judges asked questions, which allowed for more time to discuss how our research goals may align with other fields. At the end of the event, I received 3rd place, so I will not be going to the final in Berlin. However, I think we can count it as positive feedback. After the event, I was able to network with a few scientists and innovation experts. They had questions about our specific scientific methods and research partnerships, and several people expressed that they were surprised and impressed to discover that the Music Academy is doing work in the neuroscience field. Let’s remain optimistic that our work can reach wider audiences through channels like this. Thank you for the platform.”
Our most sincere congratulations to Jachin Pousson for this significant achievement, and best of luck in future research!
Photo: Vilnis Pļaviņš