SETAC Science Slam Returns to Maastricht: Your Research. Your Stage. Your Moment!
Jana-Sophie Appelt and Bianca Stadelmann, SETAC Europe Student Advisory Council Members
The highly anticipated announcement is here: The SETAC Science Slam is returning to make a dazzling mark at the SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting, which will be held from 17–21 May 2026 in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Known for its energy, creativity and unforgettable performances, the Science Slam has become one of the most anticipated highlights of the SETAC Europe annual meeting, offering students and early career scientists a unique opportunity to take the stage and present their research in a way that’s anything but ordinary. Applications are now open, so it's time to get involved!
Science communication is one of the most important pillars of scientific research – after all, even the most exciting results and groundbreaking discoveries have little impact if they remain unknown. At SETAC, we place great value on effective science communication, providing multiple platforms like journals, newsletters and conferences to help researchers share their findings with the broader community. However, the most dynamic and entertaining format of science communication at SETAC is undoubtedly the Science Slam: where science meets storytelling and where young researchers step out of their comfort zones to connect with their audience in creative and captivating ways. This event is unique for SETAC and among the most popular events during the annual meeting.
If the term “science slam” is unfamiliar to you, imagine a 10-minute talk or performance where a scientist presents their research in the most creative, entertaining and easily understandable way for a non-expert audience. Although the SETAC audience will be composed of experts, slammers are asked to imagine they are trying to explain their topic to a bunch of kids with short attention spans. This means avoiding scientific jargon, endless details or boredom. Instead, the aim is a presentation that is catchy, fun and memorable. Participants of a science slam (slammers) can perform a song, dance or anything their creativity comes up with, and they are allowed to bring props and even teammates onto the stage. A science slam is a competition; every participating slammer will be judged by the audience, and the most popular presentation takes the prize.
Many of you who have attended past SETAC Europe annual meetings will remember the legendary science slams. In Seville, we heard the tale of how the Fellowship of the Ring was formed to protect Middle-earth from the spread of contaminants of emerging concern into the food chain via irrigation with treated wastewater. We also experienced an on-stage wine and rum tasting to explain the carryover of wine flavours from an oak barrel to rum as an analogy of how PFAS can transfer from food packaging to plants. In Dublin, we witnessed Daphnia “speed-dating” multiple environmental stressors, in the end finding her love match in optimal conditions. The winner from Dublin imparted the importance of taking care of our planet and not repeating the same mistakes on Mars in a fun, entertaining and scientifically sound way. By the end, we were all convinced that we do indeed need a multilateral framework for interplanetary chemicals management. We have seen great Science Slams so far, but don’t be discouraged by the past! We believe there is great potential for creativity in our science community and can’t wait to see what others will bring to the table.
Now it’s your turn. Applications are open for the Science Slam in Maastricht, and we encourage all students and early career researchers with a passion for science, creative ideas and knack for storytelling to apply! This is your chance to participate as a slammer, take your spot on the stage, and explain your research to everyone at SETAC.
The application process is simple: First, fill out the application form with a short abstract of your research and your creative idea for the Slam by 30 October. The next step will be to upload a short video (2–3 minutes) introducing yourself and your creative Slam concept by 10 December.
The five most promising slammers will be chosen to participate in the Science Slam onsite. Additionally, we aim to invite these five slammers to a preparatory workshop led by trained and stage-experienced science communicators to help refine their performance and boost their chances of winning cash prizes between €100 and €500 and everlasting fame within the SETAC community.
What are you waiting for? Turn your procrastination into productivity by crafting a plan to communicate your science and wow the SETAC audience at the next meeting. Visit the website for more information, the application form and additional inspirational videos.
Contact: [email protected]