Applications are now open for the science communication competitions FameLab and FameLab Academy 2023. In both competitions, contestants have three minutes to present their research in an original, engaging way, while following the two cardinal rules of FameLab: no jargon and no PowerPoint. Presentations are judged on content, clarity and charisma.
About FameLab
FameLab is the world’s leading science communication competition, created by Cheltenham Festivals (UK). Since 2007, the competition has gone global in over 40 countries, with more than 40,000 scientists participating to date. FameLab is recognised as being a powerful means to identifying and nurturing new voices in science, with previous alumni embarking on high-profile careers in science communication. The focus of FameLab Australia is to promote excellence in science communication for early career STEM researchers in universities and industry.
The competition is open to early career STEM researchers currently completing postgraduate studies or within five years of completing their postgraduate degrees. A total of 48 scientists will be shortlisted to compete in four regional, online semi-finals. Out of these, 12 finalists will be selected to travel to Perth for the live finals at WA Museum Boola Bardip on 21 September 2023. The Australian FameLab winner will receive the opportunity to represent Australia in the international FameLab final in November 2023. Applicants, semi-finalists and finalists will receive free, specialist science communication training throughout the FameLab 2023 competition.
More information about FameLab and how to apply can be found at https://support.fwam.com.au/apply. Applications close on 26 April 2023, 5pm AWST.
About FameLab Academy
FameLab Academy is the sister competition to FameLab. FameLab Academy is run exclusively in Western Australia, and is the schools’ version of FameLab for Year 8 and Year 9 students. FameLab Academy was created to develop young people (aged 14-15) as science communicators by increasing their scientific knowledge and building their confidence and communication skills.
Participating schools receive detailed resources for student workshops and “train-the-trainer” support and advice, enabling students to research, write and present a three-minute talk on a STEM subject of their choice.
On 6 September 2023, all participating schools will be invited to a Science Day at Curtin University – a day of exhibitions, tours and speakers at the cutting edge of science research. The day will center on the FameLab Academy Final, where finalists representing their schools present their three-minute talks in front of a live audience. The winner and runners-up will be awarded cash prizes for themselves and their schools’ STEM programs.
More information about FameLab Academy and how to enrol is available at https://support.fwam.com.au/famelab-academy-2023. Enrolments close on 15 April 2023.
FameLab is supported by the McCusker Foundation, Curtin University, Murdoch University, the Western Australian Museum, the Western Australian Government through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Community Broadcasting Foundation, Comm-it and the Forrest Research Foundation.
FameLab Academy is supported by the McCusker Foundation, the Fogarty Foundation, Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum and the Western Australian Government through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
