Science Slam 2020

Forget the PowerPoint and get out the juggling balls: EAPC Science Slam 2020

In order to find the most talented Palliative Care science communicators, participants of this years Palliative Slam have three minutes to convince the audience with an exciting and engaging talk that can be understood by the general public, using only props.

The format of the Science Slam is especially suitable if you want to present a new project. You get the chance to explain individual aspects or fundamentals of your project – the audience will literally experience science as it unfolds. You can present individually or as a team.

"What a wonderful and funny experience to participate in the slam session! It helped me to [defend] the synthesis of my research about quality of life in paediatric palliative care. Beyond the first stress, it resulted in a fruitful learning experience to overcome the usual scientifical jargon. Thank you for this opportunity!"

"The Science Slam was a great idea; it was very informal, and I had the chance to speak to colleagues about my work in simple, non-technical language. I enjoyed it, and I will encourage others to consider participating"

"I loved it, informal, fun, but relevant and interesting. The uniqueness of its approach made it more memorable than a dry PowerPoint presentation, or an inanimate poster you cannot engage with. I appreciate this is a sensitive area of research, but working with the dying has shown me creativity, initiative, thinking out-of-the-box and humour are definitely present and appreciated."

"It was so much fun we had all together, the "science slammers“ as well as the audience. The format enables a new understanding of complex issues. To be forced to explain it simple, forces yourself to have understood it, deeply."

Last year’s contestants presented a variety of topical issues in innovative ways: amusing, creative, sometimes poignant, always respectful, and hard-hitting:

Yakubu Salifu, UK: ‘Prostate Cancer’
Zana Bayley, UK: Poem ‘Research it is!’
Marie Friedel, Belgium: ‘Spice of life’ – Paediatric Palliative Care
Christina Gerlach and Crew, Germany: The ‘Surprise Question!’
Berend Feddersen, Germany: ‘ACP – Ask the rabbit!’ (winner)

Photographs: © Arts in Palliative Care, Supported by Charité Stiftung

How to participate

Produce and submit a three-minute-video using the entry box on the bottom of this page or to by email to scienceslam@posteo.de

Contributions will be published on the congress platform. Submission will be accepted up until 6 October when voting goes live. Congress registrants will judge your entry based on two criteria:

Did I have fun?
Did I learn something?

Presenters of the five highest-rated performances will be invited to participate in a live Science Slam on Thursday 8 October with the chance to win a great prize!