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

Download the Terms and Conditions (PDF, 25 KB)

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE AUDITIONS?

The two qualifying rounds took place on Monday 26 March 2007. The first round took place during the morning 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. 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.

All contestants of the first round went through to the afternoon round and presented a different 3 minute talk. Contestants were welcome to watch the presentation of the others. The 4 judges questioned the participants after each presentation and also gave feedback on content, clarity and charisma.

Ten participants were chosen to go through to the final at the Technisches Museum in Vienna.  To perfect their skills for the final they are invited to a free Masterclass weekend.

What were contestants expected to do?

Do you want to see what FameLab UK contestants presented last year? Visit the FameLab UK website and view the videos of each of the finalists.

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 an Austrian trainer, Dr Norbert Regitnig-Tillian, to give them more useful tips for their presentations for the final.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE FINAL?

The finalists were asked to give a 5 minute presentation of a contemporary science topic that was different from the previous auditions. The judges were able to question them on the topic and gave feedback.

DATES, PLACES, TIMES:

26 March 2007 Auditions Depot, Breite Gasse 3, 1070 Vienna

14 -15 April 2007 Masterclass for the finalists at a hotel near Vienna

21 April 2007, at 1900 Final at the Technisches Museum, Mariahilfer Straße 212, 1140 Vienna

Entrance at the final is free!

Who were the judges?

There were five leading figures from the world of science and media at each of the competitions. Read more

What were the prizes?

The 10 finalists won a free Masterclass in communication and presentation skills.The masterclass took place at a hotel near Vienna on 14-15 April 2007.

The FameLab Austria winner received a free trip to the UK Chelthenam Science Festival 6-10 June 2007. The Austria winner had the opportunity to attend the UK FameLab final competition and perform during an extra round together with the other 8 South East Europe winners.