FameLab Competition 2018

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: All

To be taken at (country): Participating countries. Finalists will be invited to the UK

About the Award: If you think you can explain a scientific concept to a general audience, in just three minutes, then why not enter? You could become the new face of science, representing your country at the FameLab International final in the UK, and open doors to global opportunities in science communication!

FameLab is an annual science communication competition that runs in many countries worldwide. Wherever you are in the world, the competition remains the same. You have just three minutes to present a concept from your field of study to a panel of judges. Make it funny, make it enlightening, and make it jaw-dropping. The judges are looking for somebody who can shine in content, clarity and charisma – all within the three minute allowance.

The national champion from each participating country will receive an invitation to the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK. There they will join an exclusive two-day masterclass led by expert UK trainers. They also get the chance to compete for the title of FameLab International Champion 2018.

Type: Contest

Eligibility: You must be 21 years old or older and working in or studying in science, technology, engineering, medicine or maths. Other eligibility criteria apply.

• You have only three minutes for your talk.
• Your talk must be about a science, technology, engineering, medicine or maths-based topic.
• You may not use PowerPoint or other similar presentation software.
• Props are limited to what you can carry on stage (and there is no time for set up).
• Your talk is a solo performance. You are not permitted to carry other people on to the stage to assist you in your talk.
• If you make it through your local heats to a regional  final in your country you will need a second presentation (which can be on the same topic, but must be demonstrably different in content).

Selection Criteria: The judges are looking for somebody who can shine in content, clarity and charisma.

CONTENT: The content of the presentations must be scientifically accurate. If the topic chosen has controversy or uncertainty around it, then the presentation must acknowledge the opposing views. The scientific topic presented should be well chosen to suit the audience.

CLARITY: Clarity is critical for effective science communication. The structure of the presentation must enable the audience and judges to easily follow the talk and they should be left with a full understanding of the scientific concept chosen.

CHARISMA: The audience and judges should be left inspired and enthused about science. The winner will be a charismatic presenter who makes the science easy to listen to, entertaining, exciting and who is not only able to communicate the science but who can share their passion for it.

Value of Contest: 

• The winners of the first, second and third place at all stages in the competition will receive trophies. There will also be audience favourite prizes and other special awards.
• The overall national winner and first runner up will attend the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK. The national winner will then compete in the FameLab International Final. Here a world of opportunities will really be opened up as you network with fellow scientists from across the globe
• Each candidate will have the opportunity to meet other science enthusiasts and gain access to the Famelab Egypt and Famelab International networks
• FameLab alumni will be invited to take part in science public engagement events in Egypt
• Finally you will undoubtedly win the appreciation of the audience for your passion for science!

How to Apply:

• UK: Find out more and how to enter FameLab 2018 on the Cheltenham Science Festival website . Regional heats in the UK will take place between December 2017 and March 2018. The UK final will take place in London.
• Countries around the word (apart from the UK):  Please check the website of your local British Council office to find out if your country takes part in FameLab 2018.  A list of participating countries will be published on this website later this year.

Visit Contest Webpage for details

Award Provider: British Council