Soapbox Science Macei¨®
Soapbox Science is an international science popularization event that originated in the United Kingdom and has since expanded globally. Launched in Macei¨®, Brazil, in 2020, the local edition was led by women scientists at the Universidade Federal de Alagoas. Throughout a two-day event, 12 women researchers from diverse fields¡ªincluding technology, science, medicine, and engineering¡ªengaged directly with the public to present the significance of scientific research and showcase the expertise and contributions of women researchers. Activities should occur in accessible public spaces, including a shopping mall and a beach, promoting dialogue between scientists and non-academic audiences. Due to the pandemic, the activities have happened online. Complementary outreach efforts included a dedicated YouTube channel featuring livestream discussions () and an active presence on Instagram (). Running until 2023, the initiative was extended to include more women researchers from institutions across Brazil and culminated in the publishing of a book, Soapbox Science Macei¨®: Dissemination of Science by Women (Soapbox Science Macei¨®: Divulga??o de Ci¨ºncia Feita Por Mulheres) ().
Contributed by: Fernanda Selingardi Matias, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil
Fernanda Selingardi Matias (Federal University of Alagoas)