The fifth edition of Games of Science begins, now with even shorter speeches!

outside of academia. Games of Science 2026 opens registrations for young researchers who want to make their work understood in the public, on www.gamesofscience.ro.

For the first time this year, the maximum length of presentations prepared by participants has been reduced from three minutes to two minutes, in response to the internationally reported decrease in audience attention spans. The durations for which participants will practice speaking about their research work are: 15 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute and two minutes.

The calendar includes eight local stages + the National Final:

• 02 – 20.02 Iasi, in partnership with "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University„
• 02 – 24.02 Suceava, in partnership with "Ștefan cel Mare" University„
• 02 – 27.02 Brasov, in partnership with Transylvania University
• 03 – 06.03 Timisoara, in partnership with the University of the West
• 03 – 20.03 Constanta, in partnership with "Ovidius" University„
• 03 – 27.03 Cluj-Napoca, in partnership with Babeș-Bolyai University
• 04 – 03.04 Bucharest, in partnership with the University of Bucharest
• 04 – 05.04 Online, in partnership with the "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu.
• National Final: 16.05 – 17.05 2026 in Bucharest

Games of Science is a national program through which young researchers learn to explain their research in short formats, for diverse audiences, in a way that arouses interest and invites dialogue. The fifth edition takes place in partnership with universities in the country and is supported by: Raiffeisen Bank, InfoSys, Aqua Carpatica, Takeda, Romanian InSpace Engineering, Lexonn, British Council.

Previous participants and supporters of Games of Science consider themselves members of a community that aims to connect science with society, encouraging scientists to share their work with the public in innovative and engaging ways.

„"We need researchers who do science, can and want to talk about their work. Games of Science trains them to explain complex ideas and processes in a way that is understandable to the public, under realistic conditions and with feedback, so that we can increase trust in science and the quality of public conversations based on it." he said Ada Roseti, the initiator of the Games of Science format.

Why participate in Games of Science?

Games of Science is more than a training or a competition. It is a community for young researchers that offers them:

• practical training to talk about research in public, in 15–120 second formats;
• peer learning, feedback and support to continue public communication after the competition;
• a competitive, "tournament" setting that simulates the pressure and dynamics of real communication situations and puts the things learned in training to the test.

Previous editions have gathered over 35 training sessions, 700+ registered from all over the country and 200+ alumni active in a community that constantly discusses science and research with the most diverse audiences.

Who can register for Games of Science?

Games of Science is open to students, masters, doctoral students and researchers from all fields, with a recommended age between 20 and 35 years, who want to get involved in promoting science to the public. No previous experience is required, the program is built precisely as a space for learning and practicing. Registration is done by filling out the form on www.gamesofscience.ro or on www.tinyurl.com/GoS2026.

About Games of Science

Games of Science is a national science communication program, created by the SciPublicForum Association, that supports researchers in bringing their work closer to the public. The format combines a day of intensive training with a competition of short presentations (15–120 seconds) in front of an audience.

About SciPublicForum

SciPublicForum is an NGO dedicated to science communication and dialogue between researchers and society. The association prepares scientists to speak clearly, honestly and responsibly about their work, and co-creates educational and science promotion programs with universities, institutes and civic partners in the country.