Shining a spotlight on science

Cape Town’s Pierhead at the V&A Waterfront turned into a dynamic open-air platform for learning and debate during the recent Soapbox Science event. It is co-hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT), iThemba LABS, the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), and the V&A Waterfront.

Inspired by the iconic Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park in London, this unique global event shines a spotlight on science, turning public spaces into arenas for vibrant discussions on cutting-edge discoveries and hot-button issues.

Soapbox Science is an initiative dedicated to enhancing the visibility and career opportunities of female and non-binary scientists through organising grassroots annual public science engagement events. Additionally, it actively works to transform academic cultures, social norms, and public perceptions regarding science careers.

Eleven inspiring speakers from South Africa’s leading institutions, including UCT, shared insights on topics ranging from nuclear physics and astronomy to vaccine development and archaeology. The event brought together people from all walks of life, offering a rare chance to engage with some of the country’s most innovative scientific minds.

Leading the charge was Dr Lucia Marchetti, a senior lecturer in UCT’s Department of Astronomy and a speaker at Soapbox Science London in 2015. The event was co-organised by a passionate team of women scientists from UCT, Associate Professor Elisa Nemes and Dr Carly Young-Bailie from the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Associate Professor Luna Pellegri and Dr Thuthukile Khumalo from the University of the Witwatersrand and iThemba LABS, and Dr Rosalind Skelton from the South African Astronomical Observatory.

Sparking inspiration

“Soapbox Science is an incredible opportunity to connect the public with scientists, sparking inspiration and curiosity,” said Dr Marchetti.

“The public’s enthusiasm, especially the insightful questions from children, shows us that we’re making a real impact – bridging the gap between science and society beyond academic walls and challenging gender-based stereotypes in science.”

Beyond showcasing groundbreaking research, Soapbox Science also equips its speakers with crucial skills in public speaking and storytelling, key elements in making science accessible to everyone. This year, the speakers honed their communication abilities with support from the Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking Afrika (d-school Afrika) at UCT, ensuring that the scientific dialogue was not only informative but engaging and relatable.