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Inspire beachgoers with your research at the next Brighton Soapbox Science event on 30 May 2020.

If you are a woman in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) and are passionate about sharing your research and inspiring the next generation of scientists, then this event could be for you.

Soapbox Science is returning to Brighton seafront on Saturday 30 May 2020 and the call for speakers is now open until 2 March.

What is Soapbox Science?

Soapbox Science is a public outreach platform that promotes women scientists and the science they do.

Events are hosted in the UK and across the world to celebrate women in STEMM, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes about who a STEMM researcher is.

Soapbox Science events transform public areas into an arena for public learning and scientific debate; they follow the format of London Hyde Park’s Speaker’s Corner, which is historically an arena for public debate.

Soapbox Science provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy, learn from, heckle, question, probe, interact with and be inspired by some of our leading scientists. No middle person, no PowerPoint slide, no amphitheatre – just remarkable women in science who are there to amaze you with their latest discoveries, and to answer the science questions you have been burning to ask.

What is Soapbox Science Brighton?

The Brighton event, now in its fourth year, is organised by a group of staff at the University of Sussex and is part of the festival Brighton Fringe.

Katy Petherick, Public Engagement Coordinator at the School of Life Sciences and event organiser, said: “Last year’s event was a great success. We had fantastic, talented speakers with a wide variety of expertise. I’m now really looking forward to seeing who applies this year! Researchers at any level – from PhD to Professor – are encouraged to apply as well as non-academics such as entrepreneurs, designers and inventors!”

Shobita Bhumbra, a PhD student in Quantum Physics, spoke at last year’s event. She said: “Soapbox Science offers a great opportunity to engage directly with the public and share your research in a fun and appealing format. As scientists, it is really important that we are able to explain our work in accessible terms and Soapbox Science provides a great platform to do that. It’s also a really fun day, especially if the sun is shining! ”

To see what Soapbox Science Brighton looks like in action, check out the 2019, 2018 and 2017 videos.

This year’s event will take place on 30 May 2020. Speaker applications are now open and are welcomed from anyone who identifies as a woman in STEMM.

Applications are particularly encouraged from:

• Professors in any STEMM subject
• People who identify as a minority in STEMM
• People working in Chemistry, Maths, Engineering, Technology

Soapbox Science uses an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and welcomes applications from trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who for the purpose of this event feel comfortable being female-identified.

The application deadline is 2 March 2020.

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