Science Slams: a decade of making science entertaining and accessible

Scientists will use (almost) every trick to make their research entertaining and lure you in, especially when they can win a prize. During previous editions of Luxembourg’s Science Slam they tried rap songs, live experiments and flying lemons – making science entertaining and accessible for the public in only 10 minutes. How will the six selected scientists compete during the 10^th edition on 26 September when taking the stage of the KuFa in Esch-sur-Alzette?

Researchers turn knowledge into entertainment

A Science Slam is using the well-known format of Comedy and Poetry Slams: Several slammers compete against each other. Each of them gets several minutes of stage time for their performance. Science Slams use the same concept, except that the performers need to speak about their own research. They can use props, sing or dance to win the audience’s votes. Because in the end, the audience will decide which performance was the best and who will take home the golden Science Slam trophy.

The slams cover a broad spectrum of Luxembourg’s research landscape: from biomedical to space research, social sciences, economics and law. The event is held in English and explicitly aimed at a broad audience, so no prior scientific knowledge is necessary, making it suitable for adults and teenagers alike. Explaining complex research topics clearly is not trivial. The slammers try their best to make it informative, but also entertaining and, above all, easy to understand.

Citlali Bruce Rosete, a doctoral researcher from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) won Luxembourg’s Science Slam 2024:

To do so, she brought a very small satellite with her that is actually used in space. She was inspired to do so during a shopping trip. You can watch her slam on YouTube (along with the other performances)!

And to find out more about the talented winners of previous editions:

Visit the Science Slam Website

Bigger venue – up to 250 people this year

This yearly event is brought to you jointly by DESCOM, a science communication project at the University of Luxembourg, and LuxDoc asbl, a student association of doctoral candidates. Since the pandemic they are organizing the Science Slam together. Past editions at the Abbey Neumünster and the Cercle Cité gathered over 150 visitors.

Since the 2024 edition of Luxembourg’s Science Slam was sold out in advance, the organizers moved the event to the Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette this year. The venue can accommodate up to 250 people. Box sales will only be offered in case of leftover tickets. So don’t wait too long and get your ticket now. This year’s edition marks a decade of slamming science in Luxembourg. Thus, for the first time attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate, mingle, and continue the conversation with the slammers during an after-slam party.

The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), the BioLux Network, and the University of Luxembourg.