Bake-Off contestant shows science is as easy as pi at University of Leicester

Staff at the University of Leicester had an extra slice of baking insight as Great British Bake Off semi-finalist Jüergen Krauss joined Dr Josh Smalley at the Science Kitchen.

To mark National Pi day (3.14), Bake Off finalist Josh hosted Jüergen, from the 2021 series, for a pie making masterclass as he created his German Cider Apple Pie. 

On the way, he gave an insight into his career which includes a degree (Diploma) in Physics in Germany and jobs as an engineer, database administrator and analyst programmer. He also discussed how he applied his sense for flavour combinations, architecture, and engineering to create many of his memorable bakes.

The Science Kitchen, which is located in the Rattray Building on campus, is a space for food-related scientific demonstrations, talks, research and events. It is run by Josh Smalley, Science Communication and Engagement Champion and a postdoctoral researcher in the University’s Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology, for public engagement and outreach activities to raise awareness of the opportunities that chemistry can offer students.

Josh said: “It was such a pleasure to welcome Jüergen Krauss, GBBO 2021 semi-finalist, to the University of Leicester for a very special Pi Day event.  He joined me in the Science Kitchen to a full audience, organised by the University’s Health & Wellbeing team. 

“We made the most delicious German Cider Apple Pie complete with a deep dive into the science behind its assembly. This included a fantastic demonstration about the physics of piping nozzles. As someone who also shares a great passion for STEM, specifically physics and engineering, it was inspiring to hear Jüergen's passion for these disciplines and how they translate in so many marvellous ways to what we do in our kitchen. 

“It was a great afternoon, complete with plenty of pie to serve up afterwards. Jüergen really enjoyed his time at the University and is very eager to return to the Science kitchen in future.”

Jüergen is the latest Bake-Off alumnus and scientist to bring their insight to the Science Kitchen, after 2022’s GBBO winner Dr Syabira Yusoff visited last month and gave a webinar focused on DNA.

Josh added: “It's interesting, but maybe not surprising, that there has been many a scientist do well on GBBO. As scientists, the key skills such as attention to detail, organisation and preparation for an experiment, being able to cope under pressure and receive constructive criticism, troubleshooting problems, are skills which are ideal for doing well on the Bake Off and so with years of experience in each of these before going onto the show sets you in good stead.”