THE IDEA
Scientific information is more accessible now than ever, to anyone who’s interested: open source publications, medical websites, social media content, online classes, newspaper articles... But let’s face it: science can be overwhelmingly complex. Can anyone without a scientific background understand the concepts completely and correctly? Or fully grasp the issues at play and the potential outcomes?
As the clinical psychologist and researcher Anna Roe once wrote, in her 1953 book entitled The Making of a Scientist: “Nothing in science has any value to society if it is not communicated”. Perhaps we need to add another layer to that statement: if it is not communicated well.
Young scientists learn to dissect data, produce figures, and present hard facts. But they must also be able to bridge research and discoveries with the general population and policy makers, by transferring knowledge, addressing stigmas and pushing society forward.
A good scientific communicator is clear and convincing.
A great scientific communicator is inspiring.
THE CHALLENGE
The program of SciPOP was designed to present young researchers with a variety of scientific communication challenges:
100% POPULAR
There’s nothing like sitting down for dinner at a family gathering and seeing all eyes turn as someone asks the only scientist in the room: “So… what do you study, exactly?”. In this session, our experts-in-training will chew their research projects down into notions that anyone with little to no scientific background could understand.
Format: A 10-minute speech (max.) with unrestricted visual support, followed by 5 minutes of discussion.
MY THESIS IN 180 SECONDS
A 2015 report from Microsoft Corp. described the impact of media consumption and digital lifestyles on the average human attention span, suggesting that it had reached an all-time low of 8 seconds. In this session, young researchers will try to explain, in record time, the purpose of their research project and the discoveries they have made.
Format: A 3-minute speech with a single static slide, followed by 2 minutes of discussion.
TED TALK
Every scientific endeavour stems from a moment, a problem or a breakthrough that sparked an idea, fueled by passion and devotion. In this session, young minds will expose their thoughts, concerns and dreams about topics that concern our world and communities.
Format: A 10-minute speech with minimalistic slides, followed by 5 minutes of discussion.
SHARK TANK
In this session, young researchers will 'pitch' their research ideas to a group of investors, research valorization experts, grant reviewers and/or philanthropic advisers. The goal? To put their work into context, focus on the Why's rather than the How's, and convince the audience that their research will benefit society (healthcare, economy, industry, etc.).
Format: A 5-minute speech with unrestricted visual support, followed by 10 minutes of questions. Presentations can be made solo or in teams of up to 4 participants.
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