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Earth science slam

We invite all participants of the EMS Annual Meeting 2017 to present their work in an Earth science slam in 3 minutes. A science slam is a communication format where scientists explain their (research) projects in short talks to a diverse audience that gets to vote. The focus is not on results, but on explaining the science in an entertaining and understandable way and being concise.

Rules

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

Prize

The first prize is a registration fee waiver for the EMS 2018 in Budapest. The first, second, and third prize-winners are all invited to the EMS Festa on Thursday afternoon.

Registration/expression of interest

We ask those interested in participating to express their interest in advance; please send an e-mail to scienceslam2017@emetsoc.org by 30 June 2017, providing your name, affiliation, and the topic you intend to talk about.

Eligibility

Entrants must be participants of the EMS Annual Meeting 2017 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, 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 types 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 the judging criteria:

• Content: The content of the presentations must be scientifically accurate. If the topic chosen 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 be aimed at 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. One 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.