The science slam is a form of science communication and entertainment event, where scientists and researchers (normally at the outset of their careers) compete at presenting their own research work to a non-expert audience.

The initiative started in Germany, in the footsteps of the poetry slam: the first edition was held in Darmstadt in 2006, followed by events in Braunschweig and Hamburg; the idea then grew rapidly and spread throughout Europe (the first science slam outside Germany was Copenaghen 2014), before finally arriving also in Italy.

The event has arrived at UPO, where it was trialled on 30 June 2021 by the Department of Health Sciences, and the first university edition was held on 23 September 2022 as part of Research Week.

Young researchers at UPO, who reached the finals following a departmental selection process, challenged each other on stage at Broletto of Novara in front of over 300 audience members and a judging panel. They revealed great creativitity in describing briefly and simply their field of research. The judging panel (composed of researchers and experts) evaluated the scientific precision, presentational clarity and ability to foster audience engagement. The event was streamed on the University Youtube channel, and the online audience were also able to participate via a remote voting process.

Thus, the objective was not so much to present the scientific results of their work as to explain it in a comprehensible, interesting and concise manner.

Notice of Science Slam 2023

Read the competition notice and apply by completing, before 30 April 2023, the online application form

APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE “SCIENCE SLAM 2023”

Participation requisites

Students completing a Master’s degree or doctorate, and research assistants, postdoc researchers, and UPO researchers under the age of 40 may all apply.

Timetable

• 30/04 – deadline for applications
• 10/05 – evaluation of applications
• May and June – four compulsory training sessions 
• by 30 June – selection of 2 candidates per department
• September – a training session for the finalists
• 22 September - Science Slam final event in piazza at Broletto of Novara

Prizes

Three prizes are awarded: the first prize is 2,000 euro; second place wins 1,500 euro and third place 1,000 euro.