Look at the photos of the Event in 2024!
What is Soapbox Science? Soapbox Science is a global public outreach platform where female scientists stand on soapboxes in public spaces to explain their research in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner and to increase the visibility of women in science. They also interact with the audience, answering questions and fostering discussions.
Event Details:
Event Format and History: The event follows the format of London Hyde Park’s Speaker’s Corner, historically known as an arena for public debate. The term "Soapbox" originates from when speakers would elevate themselves by standing on wooden crates originally used for shipping soap or other dry goods. It is now used metaphorically to describe impromptu or unofficial public speaking.
Promoting Diversity and Role Models in Science: The importance of role models in encouraging the next generation of scientists and supporting those already working in male-dominated fields is well recognized. Soapbox Science challenges gender stereotypes that are established early in life by increasing the visibility of women in science and locating events in popular public spaces like parks, high streets, and beaches. Speakers range from PhD students to Professors and Deans, showcasing the full spectrum of the academic career path and providing networking opportunities for women in science. The events are open to the public, free of charge, and aim to make cutting-edge science accessible and fun.
Global Impact: Soapbox Science was launched in London in 2011 by Seirian Sumner and Nathalie Pettorelli. Since then, events have been organized in 57 cities across 14 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria, Germany, the USA, and Sweden.
The event is organized by the three Clusters of Excellence CECAD (Aging Research), ML4Q (Quantum Physics) and CEPLAS (Plant Science) belonging to the University of Cologne and the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.