Have you ever found yourself wondering what kind of pizza a lizard would order? Or why your French suddenly sounds très magnifique after a few beers? As it turns out, scientists have wondered the exact same things. Daniele Dendi et al. discovered that rainbow lizards commonly found in suburban areas across Africa have a clear preference for four-cheese pizza. Meanwhile, Fritz Renner et al. found that alcohol consumption can, in fact, improve pronunciation in a foreign language. Ridiculous? Absolutely. Worth publishing? Apparently. Both studies went on to win the Ig Nobel Prize, awarded to research that first makes you laugh, then makes you think.

Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1991, the Ig Nobels have achieved international recognition for their unique and humorous approach to science promotion. This spring, it was announced that after 35 years in the Boston area, the ceremony would move to Europe, with the 2026 edition to be held in Zurich on September 3.

To celebrate this first Swiss edition of the Ig Nobel Prize, Swissnex, Switzerland’s science and technology consulate, is hosting a livestream watch party of the award ceremony at its Cambridge office. Join us for an afternoon celebrating science at its weirdest, funniest, and most unexpectedly insightful.