Science Idol
Do you think science is boring and have no idea how it affects your everyday life?  

This is how a lot of people in the UK feel according to a recent survey [MORI November 2005] into how the general public in the UK views science. However, it also showed that most people (a whopping 95% of us) think it’s important for scientists to use television, radio and newspapers to keep the public informed of new developments in science and technology. Lucky for us then that the scientific community is doing something about it with Famelab, a national competition to find the new faces of science communication.

Giant frying pan spaceships
Famelab wants to encourage scientists to inspire and excite public imagination about science. Last year’s winner was Dr Mark Lewney, a physicist from Cardiff, Wales. He entered Famelab for a laugh but gave an ‘electrifying’ performance talking about bags of chips thrown from car windows, the entire universe via the gift of balloon-craft, giant nuclear frying pan spaceships and the physics of rock guitar which enthralled the judges and audience at the final.

Mark says of Famelab, ‘It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. I realised I just needed to get off my backside and have a go, from talking to all kinds of audiences, to writing, presenting and collaboration.’

Hopefully Famelab will kickstart an exciting way for us to find out how science is relevant to everyday life. The Famelab final for 2006 takes place on 22 April so watch out for an update on this, and look out for science events where you are!

Stella
April 2006

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