Crazy about science: Bacterial answers to life's big questions

In this fascinating talk, researcher and author Fatima Alzahra'a Alatractchi invites us right into the microscopic world of bacteria — a place where far more is going on than we can see with the naked eye.

Through her pioneering research, Fatima Alzahra'a Alatractchi has developed a very special ability: she can hear the bacteria whisper to each other. And when you listen, a surprising picture emerges. Bacteria live in advanced societies with communication, cooperation, conflicts, and strategies for survival.

As Fatima tries to understand what it is that makes such tiny creatures kill us, she discovers that bacteria can teach us something much bigger about life. We can ask the bacteria questions that we ourselves have spent generation after generation answering and “hearing” their answers.

But what can bacteria really teach us about humans? In many ways, their lives are similar to ours, and therefore bacteria can give us answers to questions such as: Is it worth cheating? What happens to a society if everyone behaves passively and stops cooperating? And then the big question: What can bacteria tell us about the meaning of life?

So even if germs don't immediately tell you anything, there is a certain risk that you will leave the lecture both wiser, intrigued and with a whole new look at communities, selfishness, cooperation, survival, yes, life.

MotherFatima Alzahra'a Alatractchi is a research leader, lecturer and entrepreneur, known for her research on bacteria and nanotechnology.

She holds her PhD from the Technical University of Denmark and is currently an associate professor and lecturer at the Department of Natural Sciences and Environment at Roskilde University.As a result of her research and academic track record, Fatima has received a number of prestigious awards, including the Lundbeck Foundation Talent Prize, the L'Oréal-UNESCO prize for Science, Inspire them Young by Albright and the Hope of the Year by FEMINA. In 2024, Fatima was named by Berlingske as one of the 100 greatest talents in Denmark.In 2019, Fatima was named one of Europe's “30 under 30” in science and health.Her TED talk has been seen by over 2 million people worldwide.About Vild with ScienceThe event is part of the Copenhagen Libraries' festival “Vild med science”. The festival takes place at the libraries in the municipality of Copenhagen between October and November. Here you will be able to experience scientific lectures and talks for adults on all kinds of topics.

Practical InfoThe event takes place at LIVE at Copenhagen's Main Library, 4th floor, Store Scene.There is free admission to the event with a ticket. Please note that it is not possible to reserve seats and that the view of the stage is limited from certain seats.The lecture lasts 45-60 minutes and is followed by the opportunity to ask questions and book signing.If the event is sold out, you can sign up for the waiting list. You will be notified when tickets become available. When a ticket becomes available, everyone on the waiting list is notified, and then it on a first-come, first-served basis. If you do not get your hands on the ticket, you will remain on the waiting list and will receive a new notification when more tickets become available.Take your chance: We always receive late cancellations so you can take your chance and show up for the event. Maybe there's room for you! Find the wayFrom the Central Hall of the Main Library you can find the stage area on the 4th floor in the following ways:

Take the elevator that you find on your right hand when you step from Krystalgade into Centralsalen. The stage is on the right when you step out of the elevator. Take the stairs that you will find on your right hand when you step from Krystalgade into Centralsalen. Follow the stairs up to fourth. The stage is on the right as you step out onto the floor.Follow the escalators up to the 3rd floor. At the end of the last escalator, a staircase goes on your right side up to the 4th floor. Go right to get to the stage area.