Step aside Brian Cox, FameLab Northern Ireland is back for 2016!
The science communication competition returns to find Northern Ireland’s next big science star— aiming to discover scientists or engineers who can entertain audiences by breaking down science, technology or engineering concepts in just three minutes.
Those who make it through to the final will be awarded an exclusive Golden Ticket to 2016’s NI Science Festival - which will grant them free access to over 120 exciting events - while the winner will go on to qualify for the UK FameLab competition at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London.
Organised by the British Council in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Science Festival and Cheltenham Festival, FameLab is a global communication competition which is held annually in over 25 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. Globally, more than 4000 individuals studying or working in STEM have taken part and the result is a vibrant network of exciting scientists and engineers engaging international audiences, as well as engaging with each other.
Last year’s Northern Ireland winner, Emer Maguire, went on to win the UK final and was a finalist in the International competition – she’s now making big strides in science communication, and will next speak at the TEDx Omagh event on Monday, November 30.
Entering FameLab is simple. Aspiring science communicators can choose any STEM topic, which can be anything from the practical to the bizarre, as long as it excites and engages the general public. This topic, which should be no longer than 3 minutes, should then be recorded (on a phone will do) and uploaded to YouTube. Presentations will then be judged according to FameLab’s golden rule – the 3 Cs: Content, Clarity and Charisma.
These submissions will then be whittled down to just 10 who will compete to be crowned the winner of FameLab Northern Ireland at the Black Box, Belfast on February 24, 2016.
Aspiring science stars don’t have long to enter though, with the competition closing on December 14.
Speaking about the competition was Jonathan Stewart, Deputy Director, British Council Northern Ireland.
He said: “By entering FameLab, budding science communicators not only have the chance of progressing through to the international finals but will also have the opportunity to take part in a range of professional development opportunities and join an international network of like-minded scientists from across the world.
“FameLab is a truly international competition, opening up new doors and career opportunities which can all start with a three minute presentation in the Black Box.
If you feel you’re up to the challenge, submit your video to YouTube and email the link along with the application form to famelab_ni@britishcouncil.org. The application, along with full terms and conditions, can be found at nireland.britishcouncil.org. Deadline for applications is midnight, Monday, December 14 2015.
Entrants must be 21 years or over and working or studying in the fields of science, engineering or maths.
For more information on British Council Northern Ireland or FameLab, visit http://nireland.britishcouncil.org, follow on Twitter: @BCouncil_NI or Facebook: www.facebook.com/britishcouncilnorthernireland.