An Inspiring Day at the Soapbox Science Event in Edinburgh

On Saturday 1st June 2024, I took part in this year’s Soapbox Science event in Edinburgh. Standing in the heart of the city, I found myself amidst a vibrant gathering of female and non-binary scientists and curious onlookers, all eager to explore the wonders of science in an informal and engaging setting.

My presentation was on the importance of hearing-related research and my team’s work developing the world’s first audio-visual hearing aids. I focused on the experiences of people with hearing loss and how using visual aspects of communication can improve current hearing aids. The event kicked off with a few interested members of the public watching us set up and asking questions before we had even begun! Before long, crowds were gathering around the individual soapboxes, where scientists from a range of fields presented research on a variety of topics, from the nature of viruses to sustainability and climate change, heavy periods and the birth of stars. It was exhilarating to see people of all ages stop by, listen, and ask questions, engaging with all speakers.

Soapbox Science aims to increase visibility of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and is now held in over 35 cities across multiple continents each year. The event celebrated the idea that science should be accessible to all and that effective communication can spark curiosity and drive interest in scientific careers. Several young attendees were inspired and excited about the possibility of pursuing careers in science - maybe in the future we’ll be watching them presenting at a Soapbox Science event!

The event highlighted the importance of clear and engaging science communication. I learned new techniques for simplifying complex ideas without losing their essence, some I have already used when presenting our cutting edge research at conferences this summer. It was a day filled with learning, inspiration, and meaningful connections. If you ever have the chance to attend Soapbox Science or participate in similar events, I highly recommend it!