Increasing visibility of female scientists

Soapbox Science Rheinland

Since 2020, CEPLAS has been one of the main organizers of Soapbox Science Rheinland. This public science communication event specifically promotes women and non-binary scientists, providing a platform to showcase their research. By supporting this event, CEPLAS provides a valuable opportunity for female* researchers to present their work to a broader audience and engage the public with science in an accessible way. Additionally, it serves as an excellent platform to increase the visibility of women and non-binary individuals in science and to challenge stereotypes and preconceptions about who scientists are.

Goals of Soapbox Science

make science accessible to everyone
meet and interact with scientists in public spaces
increase the visibility of women and non-binary scientists

Why Soapboxes?

The event follows the format of London Hyde Park’s Speaker’s Corner, which is historically an arena for public debate. The term “Soapbox” originates from the days when speakers would elevate themselves by standing on a wooden box originally used for shipment of soap, or other dry goods, from a manufacturer to a retail store. The term is also used metaphorically to describe a person engaging in impromptu, or unofficial public speaking.

When did it all start?

Soapbox Science was co-founded and launched in London in 2011 by Seirian Sumner and Nathalie Pettorelli. Since 2011, Soapbox Science teams have organised events in 57 cities around the world! Currently, Soapbox Science events happen in 15 countries such as: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria, Germany, USA or Sweden.

What about Soapbox Science Rheinland

This is the name of the local Soapbox Science event in the Rheinland region. It is a collaborative effort between Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and University of Cologne (CEPLAS, CECAD, ML4Q). The events rotate yearly between Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn.

CEPLAS members Alisandra Denton, Adélaïde Raguin and Priyamedha Sengupta, participated as speakers in the Soapbox Science Rheinland Event in 2021 in Cologne and formulated a joint statement about their motivation to engage in this specific science communication format:

"Increasing the visibility of women in science plays a critical role in changing stereotypes and thereby lived experiences for women in STEM.

First, visibility is important so that women in STEM can be role-models and help inspire the next generation to pursue a scientific career. We hope that increased current visibility helps great female scientists throughout history receive their earned recognition, as for instance, the school curriculum we grew up with did not devote much or any time to great female scientists.

Second, visibility is important to help normalize the presence of women in science, particularly in the higher ranks of the scientific professional ladder where women are consistently underrepresented. There is an all-to-common subconscious—and unfortunately also sometimes conscious—assumption that women don't belong or aren't qualified for high profile scientific positions. While in reality, this often reflects practical choices, such as those made by many women who leave science for less time-intensive or more stable jobs in order to care for their families. Moreover, such a "women don't belong" belief works as a self-fulfilling prophecy, as women who feel alienated, or like they will not have a fair chance to succeed in a STEM field, will very reasonably take their talents elsewhere.

Overall, we hope increased visibility helps push back against harmful stereotypes, both by piquing the interest of talented young women and encouraging them to enter STEM fields, and to help create a welcoming and gender diverse environment where women can thrive throughout their careers."