What do snails, cyborgs, and telescopes have in common? All of them were topics at the Science Slam this weekend at Germany Week in Chicago!

Science Slams are similar to typical poetry slams, but instead of poetry, 5-6 scientists give 10 minute presentations about their research. At the end, the audience picks their favorite as the winner of the slam!

German astrophysicist and astrobiologist Daniel Angerhausen brought his experience working with American colleagues on the SOFIA project to the science slam. SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Though the German and American scientists on the project sometimes have different approaches, Angerhausen appreciates how everyone is able to come together to accomplish their goals. According to him, SOFIA is “one of the biggest, greatest examples of where Wunderbar Together works in science.”

In addition to the Science Slam, Germany Week also featured several performances of Science is Fun!, a live science show by renowned German scientist Jo Hecker. Science is Fun! Is a family-friendly interactive event that makes makes abstract scientific phenomena palpable and comprehensive to children and adults alike.

Cooperation in science is just one of the many important elements of German-American friendship on display at Germany Week. Check out the full program of events and other ways to get involved here!