Science Communication and Science Slam: From Research to the Stage

As part of the VISION Project, a three-day Science Communication and Science Slam workshop was held at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT), providing participants with practical tools to communicate their research clearly, creatively and confidently to non-specialist audiences.

The workshop combined foundational concepts in science communication with interactive exercises, improvisation and opportunities to put newly acquired skills into practice. Throughout the three days, participants explored how to transform complex scientific topics into accessible and engaging messages while considering the needs, interests and expectations of their audiences.

Day 1: Introduction to Science Communication and Science Slam

The first day focused on the fundamentals of effective scientific communication. Participants explored the relationship between science, society and socioeconomic impact, learning how to define their communication objectives, identify their target audiences and structure their messages.

Through interactive activities, they worked on storytelling, developing an engaging opening or “hook”, using analogies to simplify complex concepts, and adapting tone and emotion to make scientific messages more compelling.

The sessions highlighted a central principle: communicating science is not simply about presenting data, but about creating connections between research and the people it can reach.

Day 2: Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

The second day shifted the focus from theory to practice, challenging participants to explain their research to people without a scientific background.

In collaboration with the Science and Society Communication Unit (UNISS) of IPT, young students undertaking a two-week internship joined part of the session. This interaction created a valuable opportunity for participants to test the clarity of their messages, respond to spontaneous questions and adapt their explanations to a non-specialist audience. The students, in turn, discovered a range of research topics through accessible and engaging presentations.

The programme also included Science Slam practice, PowerPoint improvisation, time-travelling exercises and practical discussions. These activities encouraged participants to think on their feet, experiment with different approaches and become more comfortable communicating beyond their usual scientific environment.

Day 3: Taking the Stage

The final day marked the culmination of the workshop, as each participant delivered an individual five-minute Science Slam.

After two days of learning, practising, simplifying and improvising, participants presented their research through short, engaging pitches designed to make complex scientific ideas understandable and memorable. The final presentations showcased the creativity, clarity and confidence developed throughout the workshop.

A jury composed of Dorra Wider, Zied Bouslama, Sonia Maatoug and Yasmine Chebbi evaluated the presentations, and three winners were selected to present their Science Slams again during an upcoming Scientific Café.

Building Confidence to Communicate Science

Beyond the final presentations, the workshop provided participants with an opportunity to develop essential communication skills, receive feedback and gain confidence in presenting their work to different audiences.

Through this three-day programme, VISION continues to support researchers in strengthening their science communication skills and fostering meaningful connections between research and society. By encouraging scientists to step outside their comfort zones and explore new ways of sharing their work, the project contributes to a more accessible, engaging and inclusive research culture.