Dance Your PhD winner channels his inner Kylie Minogue to explain food science

The winner of this year’s Dance Your PhD contest, Sulo Roukka, has certainly brought a unique twist to academia. After completing his PhD in food science at the University of Helsinki, Roukka decided to celebrate in style by creating a dance video that explains his complex dissertation on oral chemesthetic perception in a fun and engaging way.

In his video, Roukka, dressed as a chili pepper, and dancers from the student theatre group Viikki-Speksi, perform a lively routine that showcases the different chemical compounds that make food taste hot, cool, or acidic. The video is both entertaining and educational, combining science with dance in a way that is sure to capture the audience’s attention.

Roukka’s creative approach to explaining his research earned him the top prize in the Dance Your PhD contest, as well as the chemistry category award. His video, which features catchy lyrics and colorful costumes, is a testament to his passion for both science and the performing arts.

But Roukka is not the only winner in this year’s contest. Priya Reddy, Arfor Houwman, and Manisha Biswas were also recognized for their innovative dance videos that explain complex scientific concepts in a creative and accessible way. From plant vaccination to laser cooling, these videos showcase the diverse talents of researchers from around the world.

John Bohannon, the founder of the Dance Your PhD contest, noted that this year’s competition saw a surge in European participants, with American scientists taking a back seat. Despite this shift, the creativity and enthusiasm of the European scientists shone through in their captivating dance videos.

Roukka believes that his research on oral chemesthetic perception has implications beyond the food lab. By understanding how individuals react differently to chemical compounds in food, we can gain a better understanding of each other and bring peace to the dinner table. His thesis highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting individual differences in sensory perception, paving the way for more harmonious interactions.

Overall, the Dance Your PhD contest showcases the intersection of science and art, demonstrating that complex ideas can be communicated effectively through creative expression. Roukka’s victory is a testament to the power of dance in engaging audiences and making scientific research accessible to a wider audience.