Learn, Laugh & Shimmy Workshop
Science doesn’t have to stay in labs or classrooms. This workshop shows how comedy, cabaret, burlesque, and music can open doors to science in fun, inclusive, and unexpected ways. Learn from organizers who merge research with nightlife on how to design events from concept to curtain call. Gain inspiration, strategies to reach beyond traditional audiences, and tools for making performances accessible, engaging, and unforgettable—while sharpening your own communication skills.
Resource List
Comedy
https://www.dnatured.com/ – “The Onion” style articles on science and academic life
Books and Journal Articles:
The Science of Comedy (Sort of) by Anne Libera, AMA Journal of Ethics 22:7, 2020
Strategic Science Communication by John C. Besley and Anthony Dudo — a practical guide to setting communication goals and choosing strategies intentionally.
Science Communication for Scientists by Laura Lindenfeld and John C. Besley — a research-informed, accessible guide for scientists who want to communicate more effectively.
Getting to the Heart of Science Communication by Faith Kearns — a thoughtful book centered on empathy and meaningful audience engagement.Escape from the Ivory Tower by Nancy Baron — a classic for researchers learning to communicate beyond academia.
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda — a readable, practical book on clearer human communication.
Science Communication: The Basics by Massimiano Bucchi and Brian Trench — a concise overview of the field and its core ideas.
Alternative Science Communication Resources
Science is a Drag
Award-winning STEM outreach using drag performance
scienceisadrag.com
Science Cafés
Conversational public science events in informal venues
sciencecafes.org
Science Communication Lab
Free online courses for public engagement & presentation
sciencecommunicationlab.org
Science Comedy Research
Academic exploration of comedy as a communication tool
UCL thesis on science comedy
How to Start a Science Cafe (ASBMB)
Practical guide to format, speakers, venues & audiences
asbmb.org
