International Humanist Conference 2025 - Speakers Presentation

On Saturday, 5th July, we will hold this year’s International Humanist Conference on the topic "From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Open Societies through Scientific Literacy". We will explore why the lack of scientific literacy in the general public poses a threat to open societies and how we can promote scientific literacy in order to empower individuals, to shape rational public policy, and to fortify democratic values. Together, we will examine the vital role of scientific literacy in navigating global challenges and fostering resilient, open societies. Be part of the conversation that drives change from awareness to action. 

Confirmed speakers and talks:

Why democracies need strong science: Learning from criticism

Science is often criticized for being elitist, politically biased, or undermining individual autonomy. Instead of dismissing these concerns, this lecture examines them critically to reveal important lessons: A vibrant democracy depends on independent, transparent, and self-correcting science. The talk will demonstrate that far from undermining democracy, a culture of scientific inquiry is essential for rational discourse and the safeguarding of individual freedoms. By engaging with its critics, we can better understand how science strengthens democratic societies—and why both must protect each other.

Clemens Lintschinger is an Austrian jurist, author, and humanistic thinker. After a long career as a litigation lawyer, he turned to philosophical and atheistic writing, focusing on secular ethics, critical thinking, and the critique of religious belief. His work promotes Enlightenment ideals, intellectual honesty, and personal autonomy, while challenging dogmatic worldviews. In addition to his writing, he is actively engaged in secular lobbying, advocating for the rights of non-believers and the separation of religion and state. He is deeply committed to an evidence-based worldview that empowers individuals to find meaning without recourse to supernatural beliefs. His book Atheistisch glücklich sterben (Dying Happily as an Atheist) offers philosophical comfort to non-believers facing death without illusions.

Monica Belițoiu

From dates to discovery: How a calendar can fight misinformation

Imagine starting each day with a small spark of curiosity—one fact, one discovery, one moment that reminds you of the incredible power of science. Now, imagine thousands of people doing the same. That’s the idea behind The Scientific Calendar. What began as a simple project - celebrating science by highlighting key discoveries and the people behind them - quickly became something much bigger. It turned into a tool for fighting pseudoscience, promoting evidence-based thinking, and pushing back against the influence of misinformation in education and public life. This talk will explore how a calendar—something so ordinary—can become a daily reminder of the power of reason. We’ll look at how this project has engaged thousands of people, why small efforts like this can make a big impact, and how we can all use creative approaches to improve scientific literacy. Join us for a conversation on the power of small but persistent actions in shaping a more informed and rational world.

Monica Belitoiu is an NGO communication specialist with a background in advocacy and international relations. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked on community outreach, communication strategy, and project coordination in the non-profit sector.  For more than a decade, as the Executive Director of the Romanian Secular-Humanist Association (ASUR), she leads initiatives that promote scientific literacy, critical thinking, and secular values. Her expertise extends to strategic thinking and international collaborations, ensuring comprehensive and impactful communication solutions. She is passionate about making science more accessible and engaging for the public and believes in the power of knowledge to inspire change.

Leo Igwe

Informaction Theory of Change: Witch hunting and imperative of scientific literacy in Africa

Sudesh Ghoderao

Training programs for educators and independent assessment opportunities for students aimed at fostering a scientific mindset

Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS) has been actively engaged in organizing training programs aimed at fostering a scientific mindset among Primary and Secondary school educators for the past 35 years. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Education Department of the Government and the management of educational institutions across the state of Maharashtra. The curriculum encompasses a range of topics, including scientific perspectives, beliefs and superstitions, mental health issues, phenomena such as possession by spirits or deities, astrology, rituals, ethics, secularism, philosophical critiques of Buvabaji, strategies for overcoming addiction, and scientific insights into snakes, among others. The subjects covered and the duration of the lectures vary based on the time available, and audio-visual aids are employed to enhance the learning experience. Over the past 35 years, approximately 20,000 teachers have benefited from this training. In addition, self-study examinations are administered for students in schools, with several hundred thousand students participating in this initiative.

Sudesh Ghoderao is a Professor in Chemistry at RNC Arts, JDB Commerce and NSC Science College, Nashik Road, Nashik, Maharashtra, INDIA. He is also the Secretary, National and International Coordination of Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti and the General Secretary, Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA).

Hanna Siemaszko

Amplifying Science: From Podcast Host to Podcast Mentor

Hanna will explore the power of science podcasting as both a communication tool and educational methodology. Drawing from extensive experience as host and producer of SciLux, Hanna will tell you about her podcasting journey and showcase real-world applications across diverse settings: (1) the creation and evolution of her podcasts, highlighting strategies for translating complex scientific concepts into engaging audio content; (2) the transformation of historians at C2DH (both researchers and students) from podcast novices to producers of their own shows; (3) the innovative MakerCast project at Lycée Aline Mayrisch, demonstrating how podcast creation empowers secondary school students to engage with scientific concepts.

Hanna Siemaszko is the host of the SciLux podcast which informs listeners about scientific developments and technological changes in Luxembourg and is supported by Research Luxembourg. Hanna both prepares, records and edits the show. Except for SciLux, Hanna has been involved in various science communication projects, organising and managing events for the general public and schools in Luxembourg such as the Science Pub Quiz or TrashForm, the competition which challenges teenagers to design from waste.

Ann Kiefer

From Science to Laughs: How Science Slams Turn Research into Entertainment

Science Slam events feature researchers presenting their work in brief, entertaining talks to non-specialist audiences. Unlike traditional academic presentations, Science Slams emphasize storytelling, humor, and creative explanations that connect with everyday experiences. By transforming researchers into compelling communicators and turning passive audiences into active participants, Science Slam represents a powerful tool for enhancing scientific literacy in our communities. 

Dr. Ann Kiefer is a mathematician who earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees with highest honors from Université Libre de Bruxelles (2010), followed by a PhD from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (2014) with FWO funding. Her career includes postdoctoral research at Université Fribourg, Universität Bielefeld, and back at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Since 2020, she has worked at the University of Luxembourg's LUCET as the STEM Expert. With 10 research publications in algebra (group and ring theory), Dr. Kiefer is also dedicated to mathematics outreach. She was a speaker at several mathematics outreach events in French-speaking Belgium, Flemish Belgium, in Switzerland, in Germany and since 2020 in Luxembourg. She has taken her first steps as a mathematical comedian, notably at the Bright Club in Brussels in 2019. She also won several Science Slams (Trier, Luxembourg and Göttingen) and is in the organizing committee of the Luxembourgish Science Slam since 2022. 

Dennis Fink

Luxembourg Science Center: Hands-On Discovery & Spectacular Science Shows

Step inside the Luxembourg Science Center and experience science like never before! Our center combines over 100 interactive exhibits with spectacular live science shows, creating an unforgettable journey of discovery. Visitors of all ages can experiment, explore, and witness mind-blowing demonstrations that make complex scientific principles accessible and fun. Whether you’re tinkering with hands-on experiments or watching fiery explosions and magnetic marvels on stage, curiosity and wonder take center stage. Come see how we turn learning into an adventure!

Louis Krieger

Scienteens Lab: Workshops for teenagers and the curious souls

A hands-on approach encourages participants to do the experiments and learn for themselves, be it high school students or adults. The Scienteens Lab gives the opportunity to become the scientist and learn about the latest research in Luxembourg with hands on experiments. In this talk, Louis will present the approach and ideas behind the Scienteens Lab along with a live demonstration.

Dr. Louis Krieger is a curious person exploring a variety of scientific fields. He has a BSc in Chemical Engineering and MSc in Biochemical Engineering from Miami University in Ohio, followed by a PhD in Computational Science at the University of Luxembourg. During his PhD on water transport in trees, he discovered that he enjoyed science as a whole and shares this passion through science communication. Now he develops and teaches workshops on physics and sustainability topics at the Scienteens Lab. 

Boris van der Ham

Human for All Seasons: A Life Stance Perspective on Science and Democracy

Science is more than just a method for acquiring knowledge; it is also a way of understanding ourselves. In collaboration with the Belgian humanist organization deMens.nu, a project is underway to gather a wide range of inspirational material into a book titled Human for All Seasons. This collection will bring together texts, historical facts and traditions from around the world that humanists can use as secular sources of inspiration.It also highlights the universality of humanity—while our traditions and cultural backgrounds may differ, we ultimately share the same fundamental nature and needs. Additionally, it will explore the deep human need for connection and the challenges that arise from our evolutionary background. By understanding the origins of our behaviors and instincts, we can also better understand how we, as humanists, can live together. Our societies are not a given. Instincts such as group loyalty, distrust of the unfamiliar, and emotional decision-making often come into conflict with the ideals of an open and rational society. However, if we see science not merely as a collection of facts but as a way of thinking—a mindset—we can navigate these tensions more effectively. Scientific literacy is not only essential for combating misinformation; it also offers valuable insights into human nature and how we coexist. In this talk, Boris van der Ham, editor of the book, former board member of Humanists International, and former president of the Dutch Humanist Association, will provide an update on the project and share some inspirational elements from his research.

Boris van der Ham is a Dutch actor, writer, humanist, and former politician. He has performed in various television series and theater productions in the Netherlands. Beyond his work in the arts, he served as a Member of Parliament for ten years (2002-2012), focusing on education, civil liberties, and democracy. Since then, he has become a key advocate for humanist values, serving as a board member of Humanists International (2018-2024) and as President of the Dutch Humanist Association (2012-2020). Alongside these activities, he serves as chairman of several institutions, including the Dutch Association for Disability Care. He has written several books on democracy, freedom, and leadership. Additionally, he authored a book on former Muslims and made two documentaries for public broadcasting on the same subject. He is currently working on a book titled Human for All Seasons, which explores various forms of humanist inspiration from around the world. In this project, he collaborates with the Belgian organization DeMens.Nu and several humanist activists worldwide to gather diverse perspectives.

Michèle Weber

WOW, Aaaaah and Haha: The Power of Emotion in Scientific Literacy

Scientific literacy empowers individuals, shapes rational public policy, and fortifies democratic values. But if we want facts to stick, if we want people to engage, we need more than just information—we also need emotion. This is what the Science in Society team from the Luxembourg National Research Fund tries to achieve: making science memorable by connecting it with emotions. I’d like to briefly share three projects that aim to create “WOW,” “Aaaah,” and “Haha” effects, each designed to promote scientific literacy in an engaging way.

Michèle Weber (PhD) is a Science Communicator at the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), where she promotes science to the public via the web and (social) media, and science education projects. Before joining the FNR in 2014, Michèle worked as a Science Writer at IBBL (Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg) and the Center for Evidence-Based Practice on the Gold Coast in Australia. And before that, she was a successful Biomedical Research Scientist at the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute (now Francis Crick Institute), the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Munich, and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria.

Organizing associations

Humanists International is the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. Inspired by humanist values, we are optimistic for a world where everyone can have a dignified and fulfilling life. We build, support and represent the global humanist movement and work to champion human rights and secularism.

The Alliance of Humanists, Atheists & Agnostics in Luxembourg (AHA Luxembourg) was founded in 2010 as a group of humanists, atheists, agnostics, skeptics and other like-minded people in Luxembourg. We seek to represent the rights and interests of non-religious people in Luxembourg. We are committed to the separation of church and state, the promotion of a naturalistic and rational world view, the development of humanist ceremonies and the advocacy of humanist approaches to life.