GAIN26 Science Slam

Welcome on stage: the GAIN Science Slam is all about science communication. A group of  international researchers from various fields will present their findings in a five-minute pitch in front of the GAIN26 audience. The objective is to impart current research results to a diverse audience in an understandable and entertaining way. Various presentations suitable for the format are allowed. The GAIN audience is also the Science Slam Jury.

Applications are open now.

GAIN26 Science Slam
August 22, 2026
at 5.15 p.m.
Marriott Marquis San Francisco

To be inspired, please watch our GAIN25 Science Slam finalists here.

Present your research at
GAIN26 Annual Conference and Talent Fair
San Francisco – August 22, 2026

APPLY BY MAY 15
WIN A GREAT CASH PRIZE OF 3,000 USD

Welcome on stage: the GAIN Science Slam is all about science communication. A group of  international researchers from various fields will present their findings in a five-minute pitch in front of the GAIN26 audience. The objective is to impart current research results to a diverse audience in an understandable and entertaining way. Various presentations suitable for the format are allowed. The GAIN audience is also the Science Slam Jury.

Get inspired by Science Slam presentation videos and check out our Youtube channel!

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:

We want you! We are looking for international researchers to present their findings in the brief and lively Science Slam format. Any postdoc, early career researcher, or GAIN26 attendee can apply. Only your own research can be presented. Applications from all disciplines are welcome!

YOUR AUDIENCE:

The GAIN annual conference is the largest German science and research career fair in the US with participants ranging from early career researchers to representatives from over 80 German universities, research institutions, and funding agencies. The GAIN26 audience will vote on the winner. 

WHERE AND WHEN:

The GAIN26 Science Slam will take place on August 22, 2026,
5:15pm – 6:45pm PST

at
Marriott Marquis San Francisco
780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103

THE GAIN SCIENCE SLAM AWARD:

The best slammer will receive a $3000 check! Proudly presented by the German Center for Research and Innovation San Francisco (DWIH SF)

HOW TO APPLY?

In your GAIN26 conference profile, please submit the link to a one-minute public or unlisted YouTube or Vimeo video pitching your slam in English. An unlisted video means it’s publicly visible only to those who have the specific link to the video. It won’t appear in search results, on your channel’s video tab, or in suggested videos for other users.

Deadline: May 15, 2026

The GAIN26 committee will select the slammers. They will participate in a workshop on science communication with GAIN trustee and seasoned science slammer Aline Gottlieb  in early-August to prepare for the science slam.
Why should you participate?

Prize money, visibility, individual videos of each slam on the GAIN YouTube channel, science communication training in advance

Criteria: understandable, entertaining and scientific presentation of personal research (projects)

Science communication training with an expert of the field for all accepted slammers