December 2015 CALL FOR ENTRIES TO ‘FAMELAB’ 2016

NUI Galway to host regional heat of one of the biggest science communication competitions in the world and is seeking scientists with a passion for public engagement

As part of the recent Galway Science & Technology Festival Exhibition, NUI Galway launched ‘FameLab’, one of the biggest science communication competitions in the world. For the first time ever the University will host a regional heat in the competition and the organisers are calling for entries now.

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, represent Ireland at the 2016 FameLab International finals in the UK, and open doors to global opportunities in science communication.

The competition is open to scientists, mathematicians and engineers across Ireland working in industry, business, research, academia, education, public service or other sectors, including specialist post-primary science teachers and third-level students of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.

Training for entrants will take place in Galway on Tuesday, 12 January with the Regional heat scheduled for Tuesday, 9 February 2016 at An Taibhdhearc Theatre in Galway. The application deadline to enter is Friday, 31 December 2015.

Successful candidates who make it through to the initial regional heat, will be invited to attend an all-expenses paid Communication Masterclass that will help them develop invaluable STEM media and presentation skills. The Communication Masterclass will take place in Dublin on the 19 and 20 March, 2016.

The aim of each presentation is that 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.

The FameLab Ireland Final will be held at the Science Gallery in Dublin on Thursday, 7 April 2016 and participants will be judged by leading researchers, media personalities and science policy makers on the content, clarity and charisma of their presentation.

To register your interest and take part in the FameLab Galway competition, apply to: http://www.britishcouncil.ie/famelab/enter-competition/apply

Please note that the competition is not open to people who are already working professionally in public engagement with science, including:

• Press or PR officers, even for science-related organisations
• Artists who work on science-related themes
• Performers whose shows are about science or engineering
• Science centre staff who work exclusively or mainly with the public
• Journalists and broadcasters (as their main or only job)
• Non-specialist teachers

Contact famelab@ie.britishcouncil.org if you are unsure about your eligibility.

ENDS