PropaWeek
May 17, 2025 at 17:30
Real or Fake Slam
For the first time in Berlin, on May 17, 2025, a new experimental format took place, combining elements of “Real or Fake” and “Science Slam”.
It wasn’t just a popular science show—participants not only listened to fascinating stories about current research, but also joined in the discussion, debated, and competed to see who could best distinguish fact from fiction.

Each speaker presented a thesis—often provocative, paradoxical, or seemingly absurd at first glance. The task for the audience teams was to decide and vote: is it true or fake? After the vote, the correct answer was revealed—behind the statements lay real scientific data, common myths, manipulations, or logical traps.
The finale of the evening was no less exciting: the teams that best distinguished truth from falsehood were identified, and the best speaker was chosen by applause—the louder and longer the applause, the higher the chances of winning.

“I want to thank the organizers for the exciting events throughout PropaWeek, and in particular for the final Real or Fake Slam on Saturday. Professional slam speakers touched on many relevant and pressing topics from the fields of politics, journalism, and economics, and through their performances proved that even complex information can be presented in an interactive and accessible way. As a participant, I particularly enjoyed the quiz format, which not only allowed me to team up with interesting and engaged participants but also enabled us to use our collective critical thinking to secure victory and win prizes. The organizers created a relaxed yet professional atmosphere, having thought through every detail to ensure the event was top-notch (coat check, refreshments, music, projector, team assignments, photo and video coverage, use of a noise meter, prizes). I’ll continue to follow WIR.DE’s projects and attend their events!”
Natalia

SPEAKERS

  • Aidar Zinnatullin
    Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Communication Psychology and Media Education at the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (Rheinland-Pfalz University of Technology)

    Topic: Scientifically proven. Or not? What was behind the scientific reporting in the German media during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Artem Melnik
    Journalist and educator, specializing in media education. He has written for Colta.Ru, “Batenka, Da Vy Transformer,” “Takie Dela,” Schön, and other publications.

    Topic: Journalism or Staged Drama?
  • Lilia Sablina
    A graduate student at Central European University and a researcher specializing in digital authoritarianism and diaspora politics.

    Topic: How a Glass of Water Becomes a Weapon
  • Dinara Gagarina
    Research Associate, Department of Modern and East European History, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

    Topic: The Viral Art of War
HOW DID IT GO
📍When: May 17, 2025 at 17:30

📍Address: Heinrichstraße 31, 10317 Berlin, Evangelisch-Freikirchliche Gemeinde Berlin-Lichtenberg

📍Event language: Russian
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