Humor and Science

Humor AND Science? TOGETHER?!

"Something’s Funny: Using Humor to Improve Presentations, Teamwork, and Resiliency" is a 90-minute workshop led by Ben, a seasoned biostatistician, postdoctoral researcher, and improv teacher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This workshop aims to address the barriers to using humor in science, share evidence of humor's benefits, and help participants gain confidence in being humorous.

The workshop is grounded in the science of humor and comedy, exploring their roles in presentations, the workplace, and personal resilience. It provides a balance of theory and practice, with activities designed to help attendees develop individual jokes related to their work for future use. 

Research shows that humor can enhance relationships, increase work performance, and promote a lighter perspective, making it a powerful tool in the scientific and health professions. Humor can also serve as a coping mechanism, helping individuals manage stress and adversity. However, it's important to use humor appropriately and sensibly, as it can be offensive if not understood by the audience.

In this workshop, Ben will share his unique expertise in both science and comedy to help participants understand the benefits of humor and how to use it effectively. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the role of humor in science and health professions, as well as practical skills to incorporate humor into their presentations and teamwork.