Science on Stage
Science on Stage – A Unique Science Communication Show on Stage
What happens when science meets the stage? When molecules rhyme and climate change gets choreographed? When do students become science stars?
Science on Stage, a 3-month talent program at DAI, challenges young minds to think big, get creative, and bring science to life through performance and storytelling!
Have you watched The Voice, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, The Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Germany’s Next Top Model and wished it were you on stage? Here is your chance to do it through cool science concepts. At the end of our programme, the students (together with an experienced group of scientist-actors) will put on a public performance through adaptations of these famous TV shows.
Who can participate?
Students above 14 years from schools in and around Heidelberg, curious about science and enthusiastic about performing.
How to Apply
Submit a 1-minute video showing:
- your creative talent. You could rap the periodic table, dance photosynthesis, perform a sketch about climate change, or surprise us with your own idea
- why you want to take part in Science on Stage
The focus is on creativity and communication, not perfection.
Deadline: August 10, 2026
Apply to: scienceonstage@dai-heidelberg.de
What’s in it for you?
- Up to 12 selected students can join an exclusive 3-month talent program starting weekly (on Monday evenings) from September.
- Get professional coachingin performance (rap classes, public speaking and more) & science communication
- Develop your idea from concept to stage-ready performance
- Be part of the first of its kind Science on Stage eventat the DAI Heidelberg in November. Your showcase will be embedded in the DAI science festival, Geist Heidelberg this year. With your fantastic training and experienced actors/professionals supporting you, this event is sure to be spectacular.
We can’t wait to get started! Have we sparked your interest? Then get your creative cap on, and bring us your winning performance. No idea is too small.
Science on Stage is a project by DAI Heidelberg & Professor Veli Vural Uslu (scientist and science communication specialist), supported by Tschira Stiftung.
About Mr. Veli Vural Uslu:
Veli Vural Uslu completed his PhD in the Spitz Group at EMBL Heidelberg from 2009 to 2015, including a short stint as a bridging postdoc. Today, he is the writer, director, and organiser of various science-themed theatre plays, and the founder of TAP (The Awesome Potatoes) Science Theater Heidelberg, where he has trained and worked with 70 scientists from 34 countries since 2015. He is a lecturer at Heidelberg University and headed the RLP AgroScience Lab.