Two Laboratories and a Nobel Prize: A Massive Social Deduction Game for Science Engagement

Two Laboratories and a Nobel Prize is a team-based social deduction game designed to simulate scientific research’s collaborative and competitive dynamics in an engaging and interactive format. Adapted from the popular party game Two Rooms and a Boom, this activity offers participants insights into the complexities of academic collaboration, innovation, and recognition while fostering key skills such as teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. Implemented between 2019 and 2024 with a panel of 218 participants─including students from primary schools, high schools, universities, academics, scientists, and citizens in outreach settings─the game successfully promoted enjoyment, broke barriers, and encouraged collaboration. However, areas such as communication, motivation, and understanding of scientific careers revealed opportunities for further refinement. This paper discusses the game’s mechanics, educational value, and participant feedback, highlighting its potential as a scalable and versatile tool for education and outreach. By bridging entertainment and learning, “Two Labs and a Nobel Prize” offers a compelling approach to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing public understanding of the scientific process.