On Saturday June 29th in Cologne, excitement and curiosity filled the air as the second "Soapbox Science Rheinland" event took over Zeppelinstraße. In the beating heart of the city, just a few steps from Neumarkt, people were drawn to a unique scene: nine brilliant female scientists standing on soapboxes, passionately sharing their research with anyone who stopped to listen. For three hours, the bustling street turned into a lively open-air classroom. Shoppers, tourists, and locals paused their day to engage with these inspiring women. They gathered around to hear about quantum computing, plant sciences, and aging research, sparking spontaneous conversations and newfound curiosity.
The event, a collaboration between the Clusters of Excellence CECAD (Aging Research), ML4Q (Quantum Physics), and CEPLAS (Plant Science) from the University of Cologne and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, aimed to make science accessible and celebrate the visibility of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This joint effort from North Rhine-Westphalia's leading research institutions was a powerful reminder that science is for everyone, not just confined to labs and classrooms.
All the the scientists portrayed their research topics with excitement and clarity: Roberta Colapietro captivated listeners with her talk on the effects of a disrupted cellular clocks, while Janine Lorenz explained the next challenge in quantum computers, making complex concepts understandable and exciting. Priscilla Tijesuni Adisa shared the secrets of plant microbiomes, revealing the tiny companions that help our green friends thrive. Elena Gallina discussed enhancing crop resilience through microbiomes, offering hope for future agricultural advancements. Isabelle Sprave delved into electron shuttling for quantum computing, and Silvia Ritsch explored securing data in the age of quantum computers. Joiselle Blanche Fernandes illuminated why siblings are alike yet unique, Susanne Vollmer explained how plants decide to turn red or not, and Annamaria Regina presented her research on mitochondrial heroes and their link to the immune system.
As people strolled by, many were drawn in by the infectious enthusiasm of the speakers. They stayed, asked questions, and left with a new appreciation for the wonders of science. The event wasn’t just about sharing knowledge; it was about breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. It showcased the incredible contributions of women in science and inspired future generations to pursue their own scientific dreams.
Founded in 2011 in London, Soapbox Science has spread to over 60 cities across 14 countries. Its mission is to promote diversity, provide role models, and make cutting-edge science accessible to all. The Cologne event perfectly captured this spirit, turning an ordinary street into a hub of learning and inspiration. The success of the event highlighted the importance of visibility and public engagement in the scientific community. It was a celebration of collaboration, passion, inspiration, and the shared human quest for knowledge. As we look forward to next year's event, let's continue to champion women in STEM and shape the future of science together.
Press and communication:
Dr. Tanio Calabrese
+49 221 478 84044
g.calabrese@uni-koeln.de
Further information:
Page of the event: http://soapboxscience.org/
Text revision: Dr. Sibylle Grandel, Dr. Franziska Ottens