Jannik Ehrich has been associated with the University of Oldenburg for a long time: Even as a schoolboy, he took part in physics lectures as part of his university studies for secondary school students. After a brief excursion to Bremen's Jacobs University, he ended up on Oldenburg's Bachelor of Engineering Physics programme and finally on the Master's degree programme in Physics. Since then, the subject has also been his passion, and the topic of his doctorate: the relationship between thermodynamics and information theory.
What at first glance seems like a closed book to most people, Ehrich manages to package in such a way that even children can understand it: As a science slammer, he competes against other young scientists to familiarise a wide audience with his own research topic in clear and entertaining short presentations.
"How information drives microscopic machines" - Ehrich took to the stage for the first time in May at the seventh Oldenburg Science Slam with this topic: he talked about trains that run on wind, shrunken people with suction cups on their feet and molecules that run through our cells, as it were - and thus secured the audience's favour. In the end, the physicist received the loudest applause and was able to take home the main prize, the "Golden Brain", as the winner of the evening.
The focus is on having fun
It was quite a surprise for Ehrich himself: he had actually only signed up to prove to himself that he could speak in front of people, says Ehrich over a coffee in the Wechloyer cafeteria. "That doesn't usually happen. I sit up there in my little room, I don't have much to do with other people. And I certainly don't speak in front of an audience that really expects something."
After winning in Oldenburg, his slamming career took off unexpectedly: "Once you've taken part in a science slam, your email address is in all sorts of mailing lists," says Ehrich. So it was only a matter of time before the next invitation followed. He took part in the Science Slam in Bremen, won again, qualified for the North German Championships in Osnabrück and also won this competition.
At the beginning of December, Ehrich was one of eight candidates at the German Championships in Ulm and came fifth - another highlight of his fast-paced year. The fact that he didn't win this time doesn't bother him. For the up-and-coming researcher, slamming is all about having fun: "At last you have an audience in front of you that laughs, is engaged and really wants to hear what you're saying."
Communicating topics with fun and enthusiasm
The idea for his current slam came to him during a visit to the hairdresser: as a native of Oldenburg, he has been going to the same salon, which is located directly on a railway line, for years. "I remember as a small child, whenever the train passed by, they couldn't cut my hair because I immediately looked to the side, after the train. They associated that with me," recalls Ehrich. When he then tried to explain what he was researching, he had the idea of using the train as an image. "And then you start to develop these images further." His physicist colleagues also supported him with good ideas and were very enthusiastic.
But that is precisely what appeals to Ehrich about slamming: making a topic accessible to people with whom they otherwise have little connection. He would also love to inspire schoolchildren with his subject. He has rarely met a teacher or lecturer who has tried to convey his topics with fun and enthusiasm. Yet that is precisely what is so important. "I would never have studied physics if my maths teacher hadn't suggested that I do university studies for secondary school students," he recalls. However, becoming a teacher was and is not an option for him. "I can't imagine doing that all day. Besides, I'm a lousy experimenter," he admits with a laugh.
Instead, he always wanted to be a pilot. He was even in the selection procedure at Lufthansa - but the acceptance for a place to study physics stopped him from actually pursuing this path. Ehrich has no regrets: "I have the best job in the world. Thinking about a mathematical-physical problem for days on end, getting paid for it and being able to live off it, that's pretty cool."
Simply take part
Ehrich does not yet know whether he will be back in the science slam ring next year. "I'd have to come up with a new programme, I can't always tell the same story." He already has ideas, but the packaging is still missing - "And that's what matters." It's also a question of time: he worked non-stop on his presentation for a whole week before he went on stage for the first time. And although the presentation has been practically finished since then, he takes the time to prepare intensively before every performance: "I'm a really nervous guy who has to memorise everything beforehand," he admits.
He advises anyone who would like to take part in a science slam to just go for it: "I think anyone can do it - it's not a science in itself." Anyone who would like to take part in the next Oldenburg Science Slam in May 2018 can get inspiration in advance: The organisers of the slam - the Research Centre Neurosensory Science, the Graduate Academy and the Graduate Schools for Humanities and Social Sciences (3GO) and for Science and Technology (Oltech) in co-operation with the Oldenburg State Theatre - offer an annual preparation workshop. Let's see who will hold the Golden Brain in their hands this spring.
