‘SCIENCE SLAM ENSCHEDE’ 2012 INVITATION

Imagine a hot air balloon carrying eight top scientists losing hot air and plummeting to earth. The balloon can only carry one person without crashing, and the scientists have to decide who is most worth saving.

They decide that their duties to science and society mean that the most useful scientist should be the one to keep their place. And to decide that, they each explain why their research is the most socially useful and take a collective vote!

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This is the idea behind the Science Slam Enschede, organised as part of the INTERACT-UNI conference. To launch conference preceding in an informal manner, a selection of participants will take to the floor and explain why their research matters, and a vote will be taken on who has the most convincing story.

The ambience will be relaxed in the Theatercafe of the Vrijhof Cultural Center in Enschede, but the intention is deadly serious. In a time of crisis, society is increasingly asking its scientists to explain their social value, and all scientists – including social scientists - risk being thrown overboard if they fail to convincingly make their case.

The Science Slam is the latest idea in science communications and the INTERACT-UNI conference uses the approach to help young researchers to learn these vital science communications skills. All participants are now invited to register their interest and explain in very brief outline the social use of their research.

The INTERACT-UNI organising committee are seeking volunteers from conference participants to compete in the contest.

Further information and support will be given to Slammers in preparing their speeches. A vote from the audience on the evening will determine who wins the title of Science Slammer Enschede 2012, and attractive prize.

Science Slam Enschede 2012 begins with a drinks reception, followed by the Balloon Debate, and followed by a buffet, public vote and the Prize Award.

You can indicate on the registration form that you want to volunteer in this Science Slam. For further information, contact p.benneworth@utwente.nl.

There are many films to see on Youtube of Science Slams, for example (although most are in German):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVoRFPwG3UQ&feature=related