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: Paid registration to the 2018 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (February 15-19, Austin) + $350. 

Second prize: Paid registration to the 2018 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (February 15-19, Austin).

Contestants must be current UT Austin students. To enter, go to https://goo.gl/forms/kYyV8SjQcfDZgxjh2. Entries due by 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Only a limited number of contestants may compete, so sign up now!