“With the HNU Science Slam, we want to make research in early qualification stages visible and create an experimental space for science communication,” said Prof. Dr. Johannes Basch, initiator of the event. He welcomed the guests together with co-organizer Dr. Anna Zeitler, research associate for science communication. Being able to communicate research in an understandable and vivid way is a key skill - and communicating it is an important task for universities of applied sciences.
Coaching included: participants received training in advance
In order to be optimally prepared for their performance, the eight slammers took part in a rhetoric and presentation workshop in advance. This strengthened the participants' ability to present their scientific content on stage in a clear, understandable and audience-oriented manner. Among other things, the aim was to use rhetorical stylistic devices in a way that facilitates access to technically complex topics that are relevant to social transformation processes.
Diversity of topics: from AI to age research to gaming
The eight slam contributions reflected the thematic diversity at HNU: In the group of students and alumni, Kevin Bruno presented a serious game for the development of prostheses, Josua Gläsner shed light on discrimination in job interviews, Merlin Mößle dealt with sustainable university culture, Sandra Zscharnack explained the phenomenon of choice overload and Selina Wurster introduced ageing theories. The academic staff also offered a wide range of topics: Robin Renoth took the audience into the world of deep geothermal energy, Lisa Rappl addressed posture issues in (digital) exams and Frank Hubbert combined AI agents with the “Theory of Constraints”.
Interdisciplinary jury put performances to the test
The best performances were then decided by a jury of interdisciplinary members from science, business, the city and the alumni network: Prof. Dr. Jens Kolb, HNU Vice President for Transfer and Continuing Education, Dr. Matthias Köppel, Head of Location Policy at the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Robert Schwarz, Head of Future Issues at the City of Neu-Ulm, and Marie Heuermann, HNU alumna and consultant at Pielen & Partner Managementberatung, evaluated and discussed the contributions in terms of their creativity, transfer potential and technical depth, among other things. “The slammers presented new solutions in socially highly relevant fields of research and inspired the audience with their positive visions for the future,” summarized Robert Schwarz. Marie Heuermann adds: “As an alumna in particular, I am delighted to see how research is communicated in a lively and understandable way at HNU. The Science Slam makes it clear: science works when it reaches people - clearly, creatively and at eye level.”
The Science Slam is part of HNU's commitment to research- and practice-oriented teaching and the transfer of scientific knowledge. “Applied research not only thrives on gaining knowledge, but also on communicating and conveying the findings,” says Prof. Dr. Jens Kolb. “Formats such as the Science Slam create precisely this access - low-threshold, but not superficial.”
While the jury deliberated, the audience listened to science slam professional Prof. Dr. Harald Gerlach, who reviewed “100 years of cryptography in ten minutes” in his guest speech.
City vouchers, 3D-printed trophies and a 3D printer for the best contributions
“HNU not only conducts research on scientifically significant topics, but obviously also provides the tools for effective science communication,” said Katrin Albsteiger, Mayor of Neu-Ulm, in her welcoming address. “I hope that the first HNU Science Slam was not the last!”. She then presented the jury prizes: In addition to a certificate and a Science Slam trophy 3D-printed in the Innovation Space, the two winners each received a city voucher worth 150 euros. The prize in the group of students and alumni went to HNU alumna Sandra Zscharnack, while the prize in the group of academic staff was won by Robin Renoth.
The audience was also allowed to vote - and thus decide on the award of the 3D printer sponsored by the IHK Schwaben Akademie. The decision was made in favor of HNU alumnus Josua Gläsner. “With this format, HNU is making an innovative and highly topical contribution: making scientific findings compatible with SMEs is outstanding,” said Dr. Matthias Köppel at the award ceremony.
Kick-off whetted the appetite for continuation
The event ended in an open atmosphere with drinks and snacks. The get-together provided space for in-depth discussions, new contacts and informal exchanges between researchers, students, guests and the jury. “The great response to today's event shows how important it is to promote the exchange between science and society and to make research tangible,” says Prof. Dr. Basch. “We are already looking forward to continuing this format.”
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