The 10-minute scientific battle.

   Science is not just about a load of knowledge from Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Once, a teacher told me that our common approach makes us look at science as something far and complex, a matter of formulas and advanced mathematics. It would be much different if we could see it as a way to explain natural phenomena, and the ideas and principles behind them.

   “The serious is the Scientist, not Science itself” is the motto of a remarkable initiative; Science Slam, something taking place in our very country. It is about a group of young people who present and talk about scientific matters, but in a completely different way, as funny and entertaining as possible.

   The battle takes place in Santiago, where groups have 10 minutes to enchant the audience and be applauded. They do whatever they want, from a funny presentation to a monologue or choreography. Anything to attract sympathy and votes from the audience and judges, but never forgetting the inherent scientific content of their presentations on researches or interesting topics. No matter what the final result is, there are always two winners: the audience, since they are learning real science in a catching and entertaining environment and the lecturers, because they improve considerably their communication skills.
  
   This initiative started last year with great results, and expectation is growing exponentially this year. An excellent opportunity to take young scientists out of their labs and increase acceptance and comprehension of Science in general. Finally, the most noteworthy fact is that the event in 2011 took place in a bar, where instead of dancing and blacking out you were actually learning and having a sip of science. Isn´t it great ?