What is FameLab looking for?

The aim of FameLab is to encourage scientists to inspire and excite public imagination with a vision of science in the 21st century. We are searching for the new faces of Science in Austria who will be able to develop their ideas and presentation skills for a public audience. At the auditions you only have 3 minutes to impress the judges by giving an entertaining and original talk that is scientifically accurate but also engaging to a non-scientific audience.

Who was eligible to register for the audition?

The competition is open to anyone working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine - science teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, scientists, researchers ... Read more

DATES, PLACES, TIMES:

7 April 2008 Auditions Graz:, Joanneum Research, 8010 Graz

9 April 2008 Auditions Linz: JKU, 4040 Linz

11. April 2008 Audition Wien: TU Wien, Böckl Saal, 1040 Wien

19 - 20 April 2008 Masterclass for the finalists at a hotel near Vienna

26 April 2008 Final 1900 at the Technisches Museum, Festsaal, Mariahilfer Straße 212, 1140 Vienna

Download the Terms and Conditions (PDF, 42 KB)

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE AUDITIONS?

There were two rounds at each of the auditions. The first round took place during the day in front of a panel of judges. The second round took place later the same day, in front of the same panel of judges.

All contestants were given a maximum of 3 minutes in which to impress the judges. The judges were looking for exciting and engaging talks that could be understood by a general public adult audience. Big props were not allowed as there was no set up time or assistance so the rule was ‘bring only whatever you can carry ’. Powerpoint presentations were not permitted.

Successful contestants of the first round went through to the afternoon round and presented a different 3 minute talk. The judges were able to question the contestants after each presentation and also gave them feedback.

A total of 10 participants were chosen from the 3 auditions to go through to the final at the Technisches Museum in Vienna. They are invited to a free Masterclass weekend.

What exactly are the finalists expected to do?

Content - Clarity - Charisma

Visit our FameLab 2007 archive and view the videos of each of the finalists. This will give you a good idea what is expected of the contestants.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MASTERCLASS?

The 10 finalists won a Masterclass weekend in science communication at a hotel near Vienna. They worked in English with Becky McCall, a science communicator and media trainer from the UK, to develop their media and presentation skills. The second day was led by Michaela Faulhammer, an Austrian trainer, who gave them more useful tips for their presentations for the final.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FINAL?

The finalists are asked to give a 5 minute presentation of a contemporary science topic that is different from their previous presentations at the auditions. The judges will be able to question them on the topic and give feedback. Read more

Who are the judges?

There will be six leading figures from the world of science and media at each of the competitions.

What about the prizes?

Prize of the jury
The FameLab Austria winner chosen at the final will receive a free trip to the UK Chelthenam Science Festival 4-8 June 2008. The Austria winner will have the opportunity to participate in FameLab International together with the other 8 South East Europe winners.

Ö1-Audioprize
Each Finalist will record a one-minute audiofile during the Masterclass. The sound recordings will then be put up for an online vote on the ORF's science channel website. The audio prize will be awarded by Ö1 at the final.

Audience award
At the final the audience will elect their own favourite finalist by acclamation.

In addition to that the 10 finalists will win a free Masterclass in communication and presentation skills.The masterclass will take place at a hotel near Vienna on 19-20 April 2008.