Workshop: Storytelling & Science
On January 23, 2026, all EBM members had the pleasure of attending a truly special workshop: “Storytelling & Science” led by Renaud Pourpre, who traveled all the way from Oxford to join us. Renaud is best known for his podcast The Lonely Pipette, which he co-hosts with Prof. Jonathan Weitzman (Université Paris Diderot). Together, they interview scientists from around the world, sharing inspiring insights into their work habits and approaches to research.
The workshop invited participants to explore how to communicate scientific content in a way that is not only informative but also engaging and memorable. Over three lively hours, attendees learned why storytelling matters, how to spark curiosity, and how to keep an audience hooked until the very end.
Two key storytelling tools were highlighted:
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Vonnegut’s “Shapes of Stories”: Universal story structures that map the rise and fall of fortune. These simple curves help design narrative arcs, manage tension, and emotionally engage audiences.
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Chekhov’s Gun: Every detail or piece of information introduced in a story should play a role later on, ensuring the story remains cohesive, compelling, and keeps the audience’s expectations alive.
Using these tools, participants created their own short scientific stories and shared them with the group. The exercise was a fun and interactive way to test whether the stories sparked curiosity, stayed memorable, and built expectations effectively. The workshop was highly engaging, inspiring, and full of lively discussion.
After the workshop, all EBM members came together for the annual New Year’s celebration. With delicious snacks and drinks, atmospheric lighting, and a curated music playlist expertly managed by our DJ Alex Greiner, the evening concluded in a relaxed and festive mood. The EBM children, as always, had a great time, keeping busy and entertained throughout the event.
This workshop was a wonderful reminder that science can not only inform but also captivate – when you know how to tell the story.
