Fifth Slam

The 5th Munich Science Slam happened in November 2019.

In the 5th Edition of the Munich Science Slam, we took everything we’d learned about science communication and packed it all into a single event. For our Presentation Skills workshop at Google’s Isar Valley event space, we created new visual materials and exercises that expanded on the introduction of a scientific presentation. Participants came up with new ideas for “hooking” their audience - attention-grabbing stories and images that would help their audience connect with their work and the speakers themselves.

These stories turned into impressive, imaginative, and sometimes downright funny 5-minute long presentations - not easy to do when teaching about glial cells in the brain (“Dear Brain, What’s Going On?), quantum mechanics (“The Quantum Nature of Space and Time”) and laser-based telescope focusing (“Twinkle Twinkle Little Laser”)! Over 120 pizza-satiated audience members attended and volunteered their compliments and feedback in dozens of ways, overloading our speakers’ emotions through speeches, online comments, and artwork of their own! The after-party restaurant mixer put a fun cap on the evening and brought our team together to look at the next project. It was a pleasant series of talks, and an inspiring evening; thanks to all who made it possible!

Presentation Skills Workshop

Location: Google Isar Valley Event Space
Attendance: 12 People

Want to participate, but don't have a talk ready? Have a topic, but not sure how to begin? No worries! In this 4-hour intensive workshop, we'll apply "design thinking" methodologies to the time-tested 3-act essay structure, producing and testing a passionate lightning talk as a group.

Pre-Slam Rehearsal

Location: Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology
Presentation Practice: Give the full talk! Get feedback, discussion, and ideas on how to develop it further!

During the rehearsal, our speakers have the chance to practice their talks. The rehearsal happens in a relaxed atmosphere with pizza and drinks provided. Not only the workshop teachers give constructive feedback on the talks, but also all other speakers are encouraged to apply what they have learned during the workshop and help their team mates to improve their talks!

Science Slam Main Event

Location: JetBrains Event Space
5-Minute Talks: This time, our only talk length. Just long enough to share some science, not long enough to get lost in the details!
90-Second Summaries: What was the main talk about? What did you personally learn? What did you like about it? As part of our "Feedback is Everything" focus, after each talk, an audience member comes to the stage and gives their review!
Attendance: 110 People

In our Science Slam Event, our speakers finally present their talks!