SoapBox Science Coimbra: Women researchers share science on the streets

In Coimbra, Portugal, one of over 60 cities worldwide participating in SoapBox Science, a team of women connected by science, and supported by the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Coimbra (iiiUC) hosted the second edition of SoapBox Science Coimbra. In this ideologically divided city, the goal of these 15 women from diverse backgrounds and career stages was to not only share their scientific research with the common citizens, but also share their narratives and experiences as women in science. Since women are often underrepresented in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics), they sought to encourage more women to join these growing disciplines by highlighting the research and journeys of successful women. In preparation, the researchers were trained in communication techniques to help them effectively convey their scientific messages in the middle of busy streets, on top of a box, and without a microphone.