Soapbox Science, a day of free, interactive presentations happening around the world to promote the visibility and accessibility of women and non-binary STEM professionals, returns to The Forks skate park this Saturday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last year’s Soapbox Science Winnipeg event welcomed over 250 attendees, making it a vibrant celebration of science outreach and sparking conversations between scientists and the public.
Through events like this, we can inspire the next generation of scientists.
Nisha Ajmani
The goal of Soapbox Science is twofold: to bring scientific research out of the laboratory and into public spaces; and to highlight the contributions of women and non-binary STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) professionals.
Winnipeg is one of nine cities across Canada hosting a Soapbox Science event, which features speakers sharing their work while standing atop actual soapboxes. The event maintains an interactive and informal style designed to make science accessible and enjoyable for anyone and everyone.
UWinnipeg’s Nisha Ajmani and her sister Dr. Manisha Ajmani, who works for the Canola Council of Canada, are once again co-organizing the family-friendly event.
Sisters Nisha and Manisha Ajmani co-organize Soapbox Science Winnipeg.
“Soapbox Science is a powerful platform,” Manisha said. “By bringing science directly to the public, we break down barriers and ignite curiosity in people of all ages. This event not only celebrates diversity but also sparks the kind of conversations that drive innovation and create a more inclusive future for science.”
Nisha Ajmani said events like Soapbox Science transform science from a niche academic pursuit into a shared public resource, making it accessible for everyone.
“We believe that through events like this, we can inspire the next generation of scientists,” she added.
Whether you’re a student, a curious passerby, or simply passionate about science, Soapbox Science Winnipeg invites you to join the experience. Come meet dedicated researchers, ask questions, and be inspired by the power of science in an open-air setting.
Follow @soapboxsciencewinnipeg on Instagram for more information.
Meet the speakers
This year’s lineup includes 12 dynamic speakers working in fields ranging from robotics and digital agriculture to genetics and artificial intelligence.
Code your story: Where imagination meets tech – Monica Gadsby, Technology Coordinator, Seven Oaks School Division
Debugging antimicrobial resistance – MacKenzie Wilke, National Microbiology Laboratory
Decoding the brain: Tracking Alzheimer’s through EEG waves – Madhuri Sinha, PhD student and Research Assistant, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba
From dancing plagues to deadly grains: Tackling the ergot threat in wheat – Chamali Kodikara, PhD student, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Graduate Research Affiliate at Canadian Grain Commission
From pixels to products: An overview of hyperspectral remote sensing and digital agriculture – Maria Alejandra Luna, PhD student, Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of Manitoba
Integration of blockchain over cloud computing – Dr. Priyanka Bhardwaj, Instructor, UWinnipeg PACE
Is all smoke the same? – Anam Ara, PhD Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba
Learn to code – Priyanka Tuteja, Industry Liaison Manager, RRC Polytech
Listening to plants through light: How AI sees stress before our eyes can – Nooshin Noshiri, PhD student in Computer Science, University of Manitoba
Older adult cyber shield: Protecting mobile security and privacy – Dr. Mary Adedayo, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Computer Science, UWinnipeg
Science and smart prediction – Faith Akinyemi, MSc student in Applied Computer Science and Society, UWinnipeg
Why you buy: The science of advertising – Jen Elson, Instructor, RRC Polytech
