About the SLAC SLAM

About

SLAC Science SLAMS

What is the SLAC SLAM?

A competition where contestants present compelling three-minute research presentations to a non-specialist audience AND take home a CASH prize of up to $3,000. 

Science SLAMs have become popular worldwide. Modeled after poetry slams, these events allow scientists to present their research to a non-expert audience in an entertaining format. The SLAC SLAM is an excellent and fun opportunity to develop science communication skills.

The talks are short three-minute presentations. The challenge is to simultaneously capture the audience’s attention while getting the scientific message across. When the competition ends, the audience votes on the presentations. 

The top SLAC SLAM winners will advance to compete at regional and/or national competitions, if applicable.  Winners also receive cash prizes from $750 to $3,000.

Guidelines

There are four types of winners at SLAC SLAM events. These are:

  • Judges' Choice
    • First Place
    • Second Place
    • Runner-Up
  • People's Choice

All first, second, runner-up, and People's Choice winners will be decided at the event.   Cash prizes of up to $3,000 will be provided following the announcement.  

The judges' decision is final.

Only ONE, single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. Your slide will enhance your presentation, but the slide is not the focus of the contest.

  • No slide transitions or animations of any kind are allowed.
  • The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the talk.
  • No additional media (e.g. sound or video files) are permitted on the slide.
  • Contestants will select a short clip of a song they would like played as they are introduced.
  • No props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations will be limited to three minutes. Competitors exceeding three minutes will lose points on their presentation.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (i.e. not sung or otherwise performed).
  • Presentations must be made on the stage, in person, at the live event.

There will be no more than one judge representing each area of the lab. The judges' choices are final and binding.

In the event any of the final judges are not able to be present at the SLAM event, the remaining judges will decide on the winner and runner-up. In the event of a tie, the chair of the judges will make the final decision.   The Chair will be drawn out of a hat before the start of the event.

Winner Selection Of People's Choice

The winner of the people's choice award will be determined by a voting form only to members of the audience at the event, live or virtual.  Each audience will be allowed to vote only once with a QR code. The winner of the people's choice award will NOT be the same as the top three judges’ choices.  

 Comprehension and Content

  • Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
  • Was the research topic and its significance communicated using language appropriate to an educated, but non-specialist audience?

Engagement and Communication

  • Did the presentation make the audience want to know more about the research?
  • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background of the research question and its significance?
The judges may also consider the following factors:
  • Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
  • Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Was the presentation well-paced? Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation, or did they rush through some elements?
  • Was the presenter careful not to over-generalize their research?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
  • Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact, vocal range, steady pace, and confident presence?
  • Did the speaker's slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?
  • Did the contestant highlight successfully their individual contributions to the research?

The SLAM live event will be photographed as well as videotaped. By entering the contest, you agree to allow use the resulting photographs and/or video, which may include your image or presentation, in publicity surrounding the contest and/or in other contexts, such as websites, promotional materials, etc.