What is Famelab?

FameLab is a national talent competition to find the best new talent in science communication.

Originally created by the UK’s Cheltenham Science Festival, the idea of the competition is to take science out of the classroom and make it fun, and to encourage young people with a passion for science and technology to share their enthusiasm with the general public.

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 Azerbaijani science who will be able to develop their ideas and presentation skills for a TV and non-specialist 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.

Am I eligible?

Entrants have three minutes to impress judges by giving an entertaining and original talk that is scientifically accurate but also engaging to a non-scientific audience. You must be between 18-35 years old and working in science. This includes private and public sector employees, technicians and anyone working in the fields of science, technology, engineering or maths. The competition aims to provide new opportunities for scientists to develop their skills as communicators.

How do I enter?

Fill in registration form and send it to us by email to beautiful.science@britishcouncil.az by 05 March 2008.

Download eligibility criteria and registration form.

What will happen at the competition?

• On semi-final hold on 18 march 2008 you will be given a maximum of three minutes in which to impress the judges. They are looking for exciting and engaging talks that can be understood by a general public adult audience.
• Minimal props are allowed but there is no set up time or assistance.
• Power points’ presentations are not permitted.
• A public audience will be present.
• The judges will be able to question you after each presentation and will also give you feedback where possible.
• Ten finalists from the audition will be chosen to go through to the final on 10 April. At the final you will be asked to give a five minute presentation of a contemporary science topic that is different from previous auditions. The judges will be able to question you on the topic and give feedback. An audience will be present who will be involved in the selection process.

Who are the judges?

There will be four leading figures from the world of science and media at the semi-final and final. We will announce their names closer to the date of the competition.

What do I win?

• 30 people who entered the auditions will get the certificates of participation by the British Council and GENC KART from Bank Standard.
• The 10 finalists will win MP3 player from Bank Standard and master class on science communication by the British Council.
• The overall winner chosen by jury will attend the Cheltenham Science Festival in UK by the British Council. The winner will also win a laptop from Bank Standard.
• Two runner-ups will receive digital video camera from Bank Standard
• At the final there will be also a special audience award, digital photo-camera, from Bank Standard

If you are interested in FameLab register now to make sure you don't miss the latest news or the auditions! Good luck!

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