Helmholtz AI FFT monthly seminar #36

Thursday 3 Apr 2025, 10:00 → 12:00 Europe/Berlin

ONLINE

Join us for the

HELMHOLTZ AI FFT SEMINAR SPECIAL EDITION

 

Food for Thought Seminar special | Science Slamming 101: How to do your first science slam

In science, facts matter - but how we communicate them can make all the difference. Storytelling turns complex research into something relatable, memorable, and impactful. Whether you're presenting to peers or the public, strong communication skills help your ideas resonate.

Social events are a highlight of our annual Helmholtz AI Conference, and this year we’re excited to give you the opportunity to participate in a Science Slam on June 3 at 18:30! This is your chance to take the stage, captivate an audience, and share your research in a fun and unforgettable way.

To help you prepare, we’re offering a dynamic, interactive online workshop - perfect for honing your storytelling and presentation skills, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro.

Not coming to the Helmholtz AI Conference? Feel free to join anyway, this workshop is open to all! We’re happy to show you how to slam… 💥

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Why join?

• Learn how to tell compelling research stories, benefitting your overall public speaking skills;
• Explore creative ways to present your scientific work;
• Boost your confidence and communication skills;
• Apply techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment.

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Workshop highlights

• Introduction to science slams: What they are and why they work?
• Communication strategies to engage any audience
• Storytelling tips to structure an impactful slam
• Practice and personalized feedback

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Workshop Details

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 12:00 (CET) 
Location: Online (link will be shared after registration)
Language: English

No prior experience with science slams? Perfect! Just bring along a research idea or topic you’re passionate about (optional) and your enthusiasm. This is open to participants at all experience levels.

About the workshop leader

The workshop will be led by Alexander Lammers, an experienced science communicator and seasoned Science Slammer who knows how to make science come alive through engaging lectures and a storytelling approach. Drawing from his participation in research expeditions, he brings unique insights into a variety of topics - from the Arctic ecosystem to navigating a doctoral thesis with humour. His presentations are tailored to diverse audiences, making complex scientific concepts accessible and memorable. More information about his work can be found here.

Don’t miss this chance to unleash your creativity, sharpen your presentation skills, and maybe even become one of this year's Helmholtz AI Conference Science Slammers!

Could not make it? Find our workshop summary below:

What is a Science Slam?
•    Scientists present their own research projects
•    Strict time limit
•    Almost everything is allowed (respecting the fire protection rules)
•    Audience with diverse educational background votes for the best talk

Clear Communication
•    Skip the details. Provide view behind the stage instead.
•    Show, don't tell. Work with emotions instead of numbers and facts.
•    Avoid technical terms and abbreviations.
•    Make the relevance clear.
•    Communicate the key message clearly.

Storytelling
•    Storytelling creates and keeps attention.
•    Main types of stories: your own, traditional fictional ("hero's journey"), self-written

How to start?
•    Answer basic questions about your topic: What is fascinating you, the result/product, unique, worth telling?
•    Collect emotions, metaphors, and stories of your research experience.
•    Define 5 key words you want to explain to the audience.
•    Write down the very first and very last sentence of your talk.

Now you should have a toolbox full of ideas from which to proceed.

Looking for a Science Slam opportunity? Check out the Helmholtz AI Conference 2025 Science Slam here!

 

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