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UHasselt Science Slam
The UHasselt Science Slam is an annual science communication competition that challenges UHasselt researchers to present their research in a creative and accessible way to a broad audience. The event offers both researchers and the public the opportunity to experience science in an interactive, engaging, and accessible way.
Competition format
What does it involve?
The UHasselt Science Slam is an accessible competition in which scientists present their research in a creative and accessible way to a broad audience. Instead of giving a formal lecture, participants are challenged to explain their research clearly and engagingly in a maximum of five to ten minutes, often using humour or vivid examples. The audience and/or a jury then decides who gives the best presentation. In many science slams, it is important to explain the research in a way that is also understandable for children.
Who can participate?
Dutch-speaking or English-speaking researchers affiliated with a UHasselt research group who are currently working on a PhD or research project, or who obtained their PhD within the past five years and do not hold a ZAP position. If you speak both languages, you can choose whether to participate in Dutch or English.
Reserve your seat in the audience
Leave your details to experience the UHasselt Science Slam 2026 from the front row.
It's a win-win
Benefits for researchers
1. A unique opportunity for broad science communication
You will have the opportunity to share your research with a broad audience in a fresh, creative, and accessible way. This increases the visibility of your research and inspires people beyond your own field of expertise.
2. Develop your soft skills
Learn how to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging way while gaining valuable stage experience that will benefit your academic career, job applications, and future presentations. As a winner, you will also receive a cash prize to put towards a science communication training course and further strengthen your communication skills.
3. Gain recognition for your efforts
Complete your doctoral training in a unique way and connect with fellow UHasselt researchers who share a passion for science communication. As a winner, you will also receive a trophy.
Benefits for the audience
1. Discover socially relevant research
Discover UHasselt’s broad and innovative research in an accessible and inspiring way. You will get a unique behind-the-scenes look at science that has an impact on our society.
2. Be surprised and inspired
Researchers present their work with passion, humour, and creativity. You will leave the room with new insights, surprising facts, and a fresh perspective on science.
3. Your voice counts
You help decide who becomes the audience favourite! In doing so, you provide feedback and recognition to researchers who succeed in sharing their work with the world in a clear and enthusiastic way.
4. Free to attend
The UHasselt Science Slam is open to everyone and completely free to attend.
Relive the 2025 edition
Winners 2025
The winners of the very first UHasselt Science Slam at the 15th Day of Science (2025) were BIOMED researcher Yarne Vankerkhoven and physicist Gijs Vanoppen (Theory Lab). They convinced the jury with their accessible and creative presentations about their research and both received the Els Smeyers Award. With this award, UHasselt honours colleague Els Smeyers, who tragically passed away in 2024.
Participants 2025
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Yarne Vankerkhoven (BIOMED)
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Lobke Mombeek (BIOMED)
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Gianluca Florio (REVAL)
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Subir Paul (IMO-IMOMEC)
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Kevin van Glabbeeck (X-Lab)
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Gijs Vanoppen (Theory Lab)
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Christopher Patzanovsky (DSI)
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Leandro Cruz Rodriguez (BIOMED)
