Earth Science Slam

We invite all participants of the EMS Annual Meeting 2018 to present their work in an earth science slam in 3 minutes.

What is a science slam?

Science slam is a science communication format where (mostly young) scientists explain their projects in short talks that are easy to follow, and at the end the audience gets to vote. The essence of the science slam is to explain your research in an understandable and entertaining way; it is not so much about the scientific results of your work.

There are many inspiring 3-minute slams for example at the Cheltenham Science Festival.

The science slam will be scheduled on Wednesday 5 Sep 2018 in the afternoon at 18:45.

Deadline for expression of interest: Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Rules

These are the rules:

  • You have 3 minutes to present any scientific topic in the area of earth and space science of your choice.
  • You can NOT use a PowerPoint presentation, other electronic presentation or audio recording.
  • You can only use the props that you can carry onto the stage yourself (there will be no time for set-up).

The audience will have up to 2 minutes to ask questions after each presentation. They will determine the winners on the basis of three judging criteria: quality of content, clarity of presentation and charisma.

Selection of the winner: will be made by showing of cards by the audience (details will be published here).

Prize

The first prize is a registration fee waiver for the EMS2019 in Copenhagen.

Registration/expression of interest:

We ask those interested in participating to express their interest by 22 May 2018 by sending an email to science-slam@emetsoc.org that contains your name and affiliation and the topic you want to present.

Eligibility

Entrants must be participants of the EMS Annual Meeting 2018 and studying or working in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics. These should be people who want to talk about their science, not people who have already shifted into science communication or promotion as a full-time career.

For example lecturers in earth system science subjects, researchers who use existing research or meta-studies, people who work on applying science, technology or mathematics, for example, forecasters, statisticians, computer technicians, or consultants to industry, postgraduate students of earth science, mathematics, … or people who apply science, engineering or mathematics in industry or business, would all be welcome and be eligible.

The following type of professionals would not be eligible: press or PR officers, artists who work on science-related themes, performers whose shows are about science or engineering, science centre staff who work exclusively or mainly with the public, journalists and broadcasters.

Additional advice on preparing a brilliant performance:

  • Content: the content of the presentations must be scientifically accurate. If the selected topic has controversy or uncertainty around it, then the presentation must acknowledge the opposing views.
  • Clarity: clarity is critical for effective science communication. The structure of the talk is important, as well as making sure the audience can follow the talk and are left with an understanding of the scientific concept chosen. The talk should target an adult, lay audience.
  • Charisma: the audience should be left inspired and enthused about science. The presenter must have that hard-to-describe but unmistakable quality of charisma. The winner will be the one who makes the science easy to listen to, entertaining and exciting, who is not only able to communicate the science but who can also share their passion for it.

In setting up these regulations we have relied on the competitions of and want to acknowledge FameLab.

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