The world’s leading science communication competition comes to Manchester
15 Nov 2012
FameLab heats at MOSI on 17 November will search for the new voices of science communication!
FameLab is designed to help people communicate science and engineering to a wider audience, whether in schools, at public events or through the media. Over the autumn heats will be taking place across the country.
How does it work?
Contestants have just three minutes to present a topic in science, engineering or maths in an engaging way to a non-specialist adult audience. The judges are looking for somebody who can shine in content, clarity and charisma.
- You may not use PowerPoint
- Props are limited to what you can carry on stage (there will be no time for set up)
- If you make it through the heats to the local final you will need a second presentation (which must be different but can be on the same topic)
Where is the closest heat to Manchester?
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) will play host to the Manchester heats and regional final:
- Heats: 17 November 2012 (1–4pm), please arrive by 12.30pm
- Final: 24 November 2012 (6.30–8pm, please arrive by 6.15pm (Free, fun and open to everyone! Tell all your friends.)
Support and advice
To help with your FameLab heats, MOSI and The University of Manchester are offering some science communication training on 17 November 2012 (10.30 – 11.45am) at MOSI. You can also find some useful hints and tips to help you prepare here:
Do I have to go to a live heat to enter?
If you can’t (or don’t wish to) go along to a live heat, you can still enter the competition via an audition video. Entries must be submitted by midnight on 31 December 2012.
Please note that videos should:
- Be up to three minutes long (content will not be judged after this time limit)
- Contain no editing or special effects
- Not involve other people or excessive props
- Have no background music (unless this is what you are talking about)
- During January 2013 one video entry winner will be selected for the UK National final alongside one wildcard.
Who can enter?
If you’re currently working in science, technology, engineering or maths, and think you can explain a science or engineering concept in an engaging way to non-scientists in just three minutes, FameLab wants to hear from you!
To enter FameLab, you must be:
- Over 21 years old
- Working in or studying science, technology, engineering, medicine or maths in the UK. This includes private and public sector employees.
What happens after the heats?
The winner of the heats will get the chance to take part in a weekend MasterClass with experts in media and communication skills, before vying for the title of FameLab UK champion at the National Final in March 2013 where they will have the chance to take home £1,750 to further their career.
Where can I find out more and enter?
To find out more about the competition, get useful hints and tips, see films of previous finalists and register, visit:
Any questions?
If you have any questions, email: