FameLab

FameLab is an exciting competition to find the new voices of science and engineering across the world. FameLab was set up in 2005 by Cheltenham Science Festival in partnership with NESTA. In 2007 the competition was adopted by the British Council as one of its flagship science engagement projects first in a South East Europe pilot and then expanding this in 2010 to include 16 across Europe, Asia and Africa. In 2012, 20 countries and NASA will be taking part in the competition.

Science is part of almost every aspect of our lives. Although we rarely think about it, science makes extraordinary things possible. It tells us about the past, helps us with the present, and creates ways to improve our future. However, while new developments can improve our quality of life and understanding of the world, scientists and policy makers may not always properly assess the potential risks or take full account of the public's concerns. Opportunities must be created for scientists, engineers and the general public to exchange views in a two-way dialogue of mutual respect and trust.

Inspiring the next generation

FameLab not only inspires the next generation of science communicators but excels at building the skills that will enable scientists and engineers to explain, debate, discuss and be challenged. To date, over 700 scientists and engineers have taken part in the UK competition. Globally more than 3,600 competitors have taken part in the FameLab International programme.

Open to contestants working in or studying science, technology, engineering, medicine or maths in the UK, the competition is a great way to learn the skills and get experience in engaging public audiences. Contestants have just 3 minutes to prove themselves to a panel of expert judges, with only the best going forward to the next round.

Our judges are respected experts in science, engineering, mathematics, or medicine; live communication; and communication through the media and have included: Professor Kathy Sykes, Dr Mark Lythgoe, Material World’s Quentin Cooper, Roger Highfield - Editor of New Scientist, Channel 4’s head of science David Glover and The Times Science editor Mark Henderson. They score contestants on content, clarity and charisma, so they’ll need to know their ‘stuff’, present it clearly and let their passion shine through!

To find out more visit famelab.org

Follow FameLabUK for all the latest news & updates and join the conversation:

@FameLabUK

Latest News

Physicist from University of Oxford crowned FameLab UK winner

Having beaten off stiff competition in the South East regional heat at Science Oxford Live in November 2011, Dr Andrew Steele battled it out with nine other budding Brian Cox’s from across the UK to win the coveted prize.

Across the country hundreds of engaging scientists, engineers and mathematicians have been competing to make it to the FameLab UK Grand Final hosted by Quentin Cooper, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Material World. Each of the ten chosen finalists took to the stage, which has been host to numerous renowned speakers such as Michael Faraday, HG Wells and David Attenborough, to convey the wonder and relevance of a chosen scientific specialism in just three minutes.

Read the full write up here

Andrew will now compete for the ultimate title of International FameLab Champion at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival this year.

FameLab at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival 2012

S33 & S34 FameLab International Semi Finals

Like your science in bite-sized chunks? Want to hear about science from all over the world? Then FameLab is for you. Over the last year, hundreds of scientists and engineers have been wowing judges in 20 countries with ‘three minutes of science’. Join Quentin Cooper as he introduces ten of the best, battling it out for a place in the FameLab International Final.

Wednesday 13 June 6.00pm / £5 (£4 concessions) / Book now

Wednesday 13 June 8.30pm/ £5 (£4 concessions) / Book now

S76 FameLab International Final

They’ve wowed the international judges and triumphed at the semi-finals. Now the remaining 10 contestants must, once more, step up and deliver three minutes of amazing science. Join Quentin Cooper for the nail-biting finale of the biggest FameLab competition yet. Who will you cheer on?

Friday 15 June 6.00pm/ £10 (£8 concessions) / Book now