FENS Special Workshop
Funny Brains - Science Communication via Comedy
After a first edition at the FENS Forum 2024, Funny Brains comes back with a second event at the FENS Regional Meeting 2025!
Fancy yourself a bit of a comedian and always wondered how to use humour to talk about science? Well, look no further! Sign up for this brilliant event, organised by the FENS Communication Committee, where you'll get the chance to craft a comedy set based on your favourite neuroscience topic—with expert guidance from three science communication and comedy pros.
We’re also exploring opportunities for willing participants to perform their set in the days following the FENS Regional Meeting (FRM). Stay tuned for updates as soon as we iron out the details!
This event is open to all FRM 2025 participants, and no prior comedy experience is needed—just a sense of curiosity (and maybe a decent sense of humour!). Performing your set on the second day is totally optional, so no pressure. To keep things engaging, spots are limited to 40 participants, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration for the event will open closer to the FRM dates.
This event is organised by the FENS Communication Committee.
Speakers:
Rebecca Ellis, an early career researcher based in South Wales. She cares greatly about science communication, especially through creative methods such as poetry, comedy, art, and improv. She runs the Instagram account @Neuro_Divers, discussing all things neurodiversity.
John Butler, a Lecturer in the TU Dublin, Ireland and member of the FENS Communication Committee. His research focuses on multisensory integration. Over the last decade he has organised, hosted and presented at numerous science communication events: Maths Week, Science Week, and Pint of Science.
Michele Marini, a Biotechnologist and a stand-up comedian. He is a marketing and communication expert in the life biotherapeutics field and runs stand-up comedy shows in Italian and English in Belgium and Italy. He hosts live and online events dedicated to science like Pint of Science and Couch of Science.