The Section of Medicine is proud of the achievements of Laure von der Weid who won first prize at the Science Slam 2026 as well as at Ma Thèse en 180 secondes. Laure did everything right, combining a moving personal account with a high-octane hula hoop performance. The risk paid off as she not only convinced the jury but also proved popular with the audience who voted her their favourite performer.

Laure is currently completing her PhD Thesis in the lab of Prof. Selma Aybek in the Department of Neuro and Movement Sciences of the Section of Medicine. Her research is focussed on patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and Laure is particularly interested in linking the symptoms to hormonal influences like the menstrual cycle. Laure possesses that vital ingredient that makes a scientist: curiosity and a willingness to try things, find answers and share the results. We recommend you check out her podcast with interviews of inspirational women in the (neuro)sciences:  https://youtube.com/@latetedanslesdonnees?si=_LapLhSTb9OYvgiU

A big thank you to the organisers of the Science Slam, one of those invaluable events to make science tangible to a general public. Thanks and congratulations to Laure for the fun presentation that not only showed passion for the research, but also great humanity and real care for the patients it touches.

See her performance here (1:00:45) https://events.unifr.ch/scienceslam/de/science-slam-2026.html.