The FORTHEM Researcher Grand Prix is a dynamic science communication competition where PhD students from all FORTHEM Alliance partner universities present their research in a clear and engaging way to a broad audience. This event aims to transcend the academic world by using tools and techniques from the fields of communication and the performing arts to create an entertaining and dynamic show aimed at the general public. It is a competition based on the Norwegian festival Forskningsdagene (Research Days), which has been held in Norway since 1994, sponsored by the Norges forskningsråd (Norwegian Research Council).

The Grand Prix is organised as follows:

• The event is divided into several phases in which a dozen candidates (PhD students) and three coaches are selected: one from the field of communication, another from the field of design, and another from the field of performing arts.
• These coaches train, accompany, and prepare the candidates to develop insightful, engaging and entertaining presentations on their research topics, with a focus on creating a safe and friendly space for participants, team building, etc.
• Local pre-finals at each university determine who competes in the European final, where each participant gives a four-minute presentation in English.
• Contestants receive intensive coaching in storytelling and public speaking to enhance their communication skills.
• Winners are chosen either by jury scores and or audience votes, or a combination of both.
• The European final is livestreamed across Europe, reaching audiences within and beyond the FORTHEM network.
• The participating universities set up a space with a large screen to follow the event live, cheer on the contestants, and participate in choosing the winner by voting through an app.
• All finalists receive flowers, and the winner is also given an award and a small gift card. However, the most interesting aspect of participating is the training and advice provided throughout the competition.
• The initiative fosters international collaboration, boosts researchers' confidence, and strengthens science outreach across disciplines.

Each pre-final is organised separately by the respective university. For further information, please contact the Academy for Early-Stage Researchers via A4ESR@forthem-alliance.eu.