If you’ve got what it takes to explain complex scientific research so that a 5^th-grader can understand it, sign up for the 2018 Science In Plain English competition.

Science in Plain English is about honing your ability to discuss your science with someone who isn’t a scientist or a science student, in a non-academic situation. Imagine explaining your work to

• an elderly uncle at a holiday dinner
• someone you meet at a social engagement
• a TV news reporter
• a city council member at a hearing
• a researcher in a non-science field

Think brief, clear, and plain English—i.e., avoiding technical terms.

All you may bring to the competition is your words—no props, no PowerPoint, no audio or video. You'll have three minutes to talk about your research. The judges will stop you promptly at the 3-minute mark.

Judges will score presenters on

• brevity
• clarity
• avoidance of jargon or appropriate use & explanation of technical terms
• speaking style (engaging? eye contact? gestures? vocal tics? hurried delivery?)

The decision of the judges is final.

First prize: All-expenses-paid (registration, airfare & ground transportation, accommodations, meals) trip to the 2019 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (February 14-17, Washington, D.C.)
Second prize: $100

Contestants must be current UT Austin students.

Entries are due by 11:59pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. Sign up here.