WINNIPEG — Soapbox Science, an international initiative that brings scientific research out of laboratories and into the public square, is set to return to The Forks skate park this Saturday. The free, interactive event, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 13, aims to showcase women and non-binary professionals working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Organizers say the event is more than a public lecture series — it is a grassroots effort to break down barriers between scientists and the public while promoting greater diversity and accessibility within the scientific community.
Building on momentum
Last year’s Soapbox Science Winnipeg event drew more than 250 attendees, turning the downtown site into a lively forum for science outreach. Participants engaged directly with speakers, sparking conversations that ranged from research insights to career paths in STEM.
The 2025 edition seeks to build on that momentum, offering a platform for scientists to share their work in an informal and accessible style. True to the event’s name, presenters deliver talks while standing atop actual soapboxes, echoing the street-speaking traditions of past generations.
“Soapbox Science is a powerful platform,” said Dr. Manisha Ajmani of the Canola Council of Canada, who is co-organizing the Winnipeg program alongside her sister, Nisha Ajmani of the University of Winnipeg. “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.”
A global and national movement
Winnipeg is one of nine Canadian cities participating in Soapbox Science this year. Founded in London, U.K. in 2011, the initiative has expanded to dozens of cities worldwide, with the goal of amplifying the voices of underrepresented scientists.
The Canadian network has grown steadily, reflecting both demand for accessible science communication and a recognition of the underrepresentation of women and non-binary individuals in STEM fields.
In Winnipeg, organizers emphasize that the setting — a busy, outdoor public space — is intentional. The goal is to transform science from something confined to classrooms and labs into an everyday conversation anyone can join.
Nisha Ajmani said the event is designed to make science more inclusive and approachable. “Events like Soapbox Science transform science from a niche academic pursuit into a shared public resource, making it accessible for everyone,” she said. “We believe that through events like this, we can inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Inspiring future scientists
The program’s family-friendly format encourages people of all ages to participate. Organizers hope young people, in particular, will be inspired by seeing role models who reflect a more diverse scientific community than traditional portrayals often suggest.
Attendees can expect to hear about a wide range of research topics, presented in everyday language rather than academic jargon. The informal style encourages back-and-forth conversation, making it possible for passersby to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers.
Beyond sharing their science, participants aim to highlight how their work intersects with broader social and economic issues — from agriculture to health, energy and technology.
Broader implications
Events like Soapbox Science are part of a wider effort to connect science with society at a time when innovation is seen as a driver of economic competitiveness and community development. For governments, institutions and businesses, the push to make STEM more inclusive is linked to talent development and long-term growth in knowledge-based industries.
By giving underrepresented groups greater visibility in public forums, organizers argue, initiatives like Soapbox Science not only foster inclusion but also help broaden public understanding of how scientific research connects to everyday life.
Call to the community
As Winnipeg prepares for this weekend’s event, the message from organizers is clear: everyone is invited. Whether visitors are students considering a future in science, families looking for an engaging weekend activity, or curious bystanders out for a stroll, Soapbox Science is designed to meet people where they are.
“Come meet dedicated researchers, ask questions, and be inspired by the power of science in an open-air setting,” organizers said in a statement.
For the Ajmani sisters, the hope is that the event leaves a lasting impact — both in sparking curiosity and in reinforcing the idea that science is for everyone.
