On 28th of June the Düsseldorf Rheinpromenade transformed into a vibrant space where science met curiosity. Soapbox Science Rheinland 2025 brought together twelve brilliant women researchers who stood on soapboxes to share their passion for science with passersby. Covering topics from quantum chaos, condensed matter to environmental challenges and climate science, the event sparked curiosity and lively discussions.

From Drops to Dynamics: What Chaos Teaches Us About Balance

Elisa Vallini, PhD candidate at the University of Cologne, turned chaos into clarity at this year’s Soapbox Science. Using the butterfly effect and a drop of ink as starting points, she guided the audience through the surprising connection between chaos and thermalization, in both the classical and quantum worlds. Her talk showed the public how even the most unpredictable systems can follow the rules of physics.

A soapbox is traditionally a wooden crate used for shipping dry goods like soap. In the 19th century, it became a platform for impromptu speeches by politicians, fostering informal political discussions in public spaces. The concept of Soapbox Science draws inspiration from this rich history, aiming to simplify and democratize scientific discourse. Soapbox Science is an innovative public outreach event that began in London in 2011 and now takes place annually in more than forty cities across sixteen countries. The goal is to bring science directly to the people, making it accessible for all, and challenging the stereotype about who can be a scientist by providing a platform for female and non-binary researchers from various backgrounds. Soapbox Science Rheinland is a local event in Germany organized since 2020 by a team of enthusiastic people from universities in the Rheinland-area: University of Bonn, Cologne and Düsseldorf.