Source: Kulturprojekte Berlin, photo: Oana Popa-Costea Career wish: Science Slam? Science Slam at “Wissensstadt Berlin” in front of the Rotes Rathaus. The slam was supported by a research project. Only once have I seen a cash prize in the three- to four-figure range. The prizes at the Science Slam are more symbolic: books (scientific, of course, and usually related to the event), wine, mugs, a board game, fridge magnets and of course: fame and glory. Of course, I’m happy when I win, but winning doesn’t really change much. There are a variety of methods for doing this: either with score cards, with the volume of applause, matches or marbles thrown into various containers, or – in pandemic times – online voting.īut the motto of Science Slam is: it’s not about winning, it’s about the science. After the presentations, the audience votes on which presentation they liked best. Things are (usually) not quite that tough, but Science Slam is still a competition. In simpler words: a Slam is a competition. Alternatively, to slam someone also means to criticise severely. But that is not quite what we mean – nobody is thrown against a wall. To slam can mean to move against a hard surface with force and usually a loud noise. There is one point I haven’t touched on yet: the Slam. However, the results don’t have to be published – you can also compete in a Science Slam with the topic of your Bachelor’s thesis! Battle of the scientists That’s why it goes without saying that the presenters at such Slams, which are based on original research, are scientists (or at least used to be). That means that even if I find astrophysics exciting and know everything about it, I’m not allowed to present it at most Science Slams. In many cases, it is a rule that the speakers have to talk about their own research. All scientific disciplines are represented, including those that have nothing to do with laboratories. Sometimes people perform experiments live on stage, play music or juggle – whatever helps is allowed! The basic idea of Science Slam is that scientists bring their research out of the “lab” onto the stage and to the audience. Tools and props are allowed! The basic equipment is a presentation with illustrations – from self-drawn masterpieces to the well-known internet meme – that is both uproariously funny and illustrates complex science. Science Slam is about explaining science clearly and engagingly on stage in a short period of time usually 10 minutes. Let’s start with a short explanation for those to whom Science Slam means nothing. Hopefully, I can answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Science Slam and maybe I can motivate some of you to venture on stage and share your hard-earned research with the world. I am the German Vice-Champion in Science Slam 2021! I’m really happy and think this is a great opportunity to take you with me into the world of the Science Slam.
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