Slammer 2019
Dr Anna Stöckl, Chair of Behavioural Physiology and Sociobiology
What do you like about the Science Slam format?
I particularly like the creativity that this form of presentation demands. I think it’s great to try something a bit crazy for a change and look at my research topic from a completely different angle.
What will you be talking about?
The impressive capabilities of a pea brain.
What has been your best experience so far during your time at university?
One of my best experiences atuniversity was taking part in a student competition in synthetic biology. As a team of students, we had the opportunity to plan and carry out our own research, and then present it in an entertaining way at the final event in Boston. It was there that I gave my first major presentation to an audience of nearly 1,000 people – a talk we students had enhanced with some special effects – which sparked my enthusiasm for creative presentations and science communication.
Prof. Dr Karsten Kilian, Brand and Media Management, FHWS
What do you like about the Science Slam format?
Learning is easier with a bit of humour. The Science Slam shows that this works, and that 750 interested people are even willing to pay €5 each to attend this ‘spectacle’. It’s going to be great fun. It’ll be educational, too. And absolutely buzzing!
What will you be talking about?
The magic of brands!
What do you particularly enjoy about teaching?
Lively students who get involved, are happy to throw in an original interjection now and then, and contribute to exciting discussions on the subject matter that “open our eyes” – both the students’ and mine! I particularly enjoyed a film shoot for “Galileo” (ProSieben) during a lecture two years ago. We used a huge block of frozen fish to re-enact how “Iglo fish fingers” were invented more than 60 years ago. Nobody will ever forget that! And it tasted great too!
Prof. Dr Fritz Strack, Social Psychology, University of Würzburg
What do you like about the Science Slam format?
The combination of fun and learning
What will you be talking about?
My own research into the physical basis of emotions
What do you particularly enjoy about teaching?
The students’ enthusiasm
Prof. Dr Martin Bastian, Director of the Institute, SKZ
What do you like about the Science Slam format?
I like the creative challenge of presenting my passion for truly sustainable solutions in a fresh way and on a different stage. As a keen sportsman, I’m also drawn to the competitive nature of the event. And ultimately, I think the combination of excitement, fun and .chocolate. is simply brilliant.
What will you be talking about?
What the Kinder Surprise egg has to do with the SKZ. But also about Fridays for Future, marine litter and, of course, plastic.
What do you particularly enjoy about teaching?
I like the interaction with the learners. And I think it’s great when people get excited about scientific topics. Of course, camaraderie, fun and entertainment mustn’t be neglected. That makes for better learning.
Dr Joachim Kuhn, Physics, Founder of va-Q-tec AG
What do you like about the Science Slam format? That it’s short, concise and fresh. What will you be talking about? How to build an international company with a background in science What was your best experience during your time at university? When I was given the opportunity to present my research findings on an international stage.
Prof. Dr Tobias Reinbacher, Faculty of Law, University of Würzburg
What do you like about the Science Slam format?
That it’s a fun way to make science more accessible, and, I think, a lovely evening in good company. It means that, as a lawyer, I’ll actually be invited to a party for once.
What will you be talking about?
The style of legal opinions and why lawyers are so rarely invited to parties. But it will also be about love, beauty and garden gnomes.
What do you particularly enjoy about teaching?
I enjoy interacting with the students and am delighted when they enjoy learning. That makes teaching the material enjoyable for me too.
Dr Julien Bobineau, Centre for African Studies, University of Würzburg
What do you like about the Science Slam format?
In my view, the Science Slam is so interesting because it allows you to raise awareness among a large audience, in an entertaining way, of scientific issues and even very serious research topics. Sometimes, however, the Science Slam is also a good way to present your own field from a different perspective and with a touch of humour.
What will you be talking about?
My slam deals with the ambiguity of literature and the question: What must the reader do to enable literature to come into being in the mind of the recipient in the first place?
What do you particularly enjoy about teaching?
I have the privilege of being able to engage with fundamental questions in the humanities – and thus also socially relevant issues – on a daily basis. That is why what I particularly enjoy about teaching is giving other people an insight into my research work – both inside and outside the lecture theatre.
