As part of Reading Science Week 2014, the South Street Arts Centre was host to Reading’s very first Science Slam – a thrilling competition where scientists presented their mind-boggling work in a comprehensible and accessible way. Each performance lasted for no more than 6 minutes and at the end of the evening the audience voted for their favourite according to ‘entertainment factor’, ‘ease of understanding the science’ and their ‘desire to hear more’. There was only one rule: No Powerpoint.

South Street Arts Centre was host to the very first Science Slam in Reading – Photos by Tom Hill and Marcus Haag

There were 5 Slammers, including myself, from across several different departments; Pharmacy, Chemistry, Systems Engineering, Meteorology and Psychology. The warm-up act was performed by the Faculty of Life Sciences Outreach and Accessibility Facilitator, Dr Ben Littlefield. After coming forward to express our interest in taking part, we discussed our ideas with the organisers and received expert advice and training from the theatre company ReadingRep.

The Science Slammers! – Photos by Marcus Haag

The evening was a massive success, with the ~120 tickets available selling out several days in advance! But not to worry, if you weren’t there you can watch all of the performances here.

I think I speak for all the Slammers when I say that we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are extremely grateful to the organisers, ReadingRep and everyone who came to watch the performances.

Audience voting for their favourites – Photos by Marcus Haag

I was absolutely overwhelmed when my Science Slam was voted as the overall winner. Once again I’ve received a much needed confidence boost, especially when I’m currently working all hours to complete the last few experiments of my PhD.

Brainfacts.org are looking for submissions for the 2014 Brain Awareness Video Contest – and you know what? I think I’ll enter and see what happens 🙂

Science Slam Selfie! – Photo by Ioannis Zoulias