|
"We are looking for people who have scientific stars in their eyes, people who can present an entertaining, original and exciting talk that is scientifically accurate but appealing to a non-scientific audience" - Kathy Sykes, Cheltenham Science Festival Director, UK.
Fame Lab is an initiative of the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK and this is the fourth year the contest is going international - now almost in twenty countries in Europe, Asia and Africa through the British Council network. The aim of FameLab is to encourage young scientists (18 to 35 years old) to inspire and excite public imagination with a vision of science in the 21st century. The model is familiar from the TV programmes like Pop Idol (or the Lithuanian programme Lietuvos Talentai). You have got just 3 minutes to prove yourself to a panel of expert judges with only the best going forward to the next round. The talk should be entertaining and original, scientifically accurate but also engaging to a non-scientific audience.
Back to the top
We are searching for the new faces of Lithuanian science who will be able to develop their ideas and presentation skills for a TV and non-specialist audience. We are looking for anybody working or studying in science, who would like to develop their skills as science communicators.
Back to the top
To enter FameLab you must be at least 18 years old (and preferably up to 35) and studying or working in science. This includes private and public sector employees, teachers, 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. Refer to eligibility criteria for further information.
Back to the top
Do you want to see what FameLab UK contestants presented last year?
Visit the FameLab UK website and watch the videos of finalists from 2005, 2006 and 2007 up to 2011. This will give you a good idea what is expected of you.
While preparing your presentation, you should keep in mind that there are three certain things that are essential to FameLab: Content, Clarity, and Charisma.
The content must be scientifically accurate and interesting for a broad audience. Clarity in communicating the idea or topic is also very important: however simple or ambitious the subject matter is, the audience should be able to understand the scientific topic as chosen by the presenter. As well as learning something, the audience should be inspired, too. FameLab is also looking for that hard-to-describe but unmistakable quality: charisma. The winner will be the one who makes science exciting, fascinating, who shares not just the subject but their passion for it.
Back to the top
If you are interested in FameLab, register for heats (competition) in Vilnius, 28 April and in Kaunas, 5 May. Please register as soon as you can, but not later that the last day before the heats (competition). After you register, the organizers will contact you with more specific information.
Back to the top
The heats(competition) in Vilnius will take place on 28 April at Saulėtekio slėnis (Sunrise Valley) and on 5 May at Lietuvos energetikos institutas (Lithuanian Energy Institute) in Kaunas. After you register, the organizers will contact you with more specific information.
Back to the top
You will be given a maximum of 3 minutes in which to impress the judges. They are looking
for exciting and engaging talks (in Lithuanian) 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.
Prepare a 3-minute presentation for the heat (competition) in April. If you are selected for the finals, you will have to prepare another presentation different from the first presentation during the heats (competition) in April. Presentations shoudn't be done in Power Point format.
The judges will be able to question you after each presentation and will also give you feedback where possible.
Up to ten or twelve finalists will have an opportunity to participate in two-day Master classes which will help to develop your communication skills further. At the master classes you will have an opportunity to brush up your presentations skills and prepare for the FameLab finals, which will take place in Vilnius. Bear in mind, although you will be making presentations in the Lithuanian language, the Master classes will be held in English. Thus, it is desirable that you can speak and understand English.
At the final you will be asked to give a 3 minute presentation of a contemporary science topic that is different from the previous audition (competition in April). The judges will be able to question you on the topic and give feedback.
The winner of FameLab Lithuania will participate in the final contest in UK, in early June.
Do you have a question? Please contact FameLab in Lithuania Manager Danguole Kizniene Danguole.Kizniene@britishcouncil.lt
Back to the top
FameLab is directed to Formal, Physical, Life and Applied sciences. Unfortunately, we can not accept applications from those who work in the field of Social and Behavioural sciences (e.g. Geography, Linguistics, Economics, Political science etc. ).
WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
• Researchers (studying or working) and lecturers in science, mathematics, engineering, technology subjects, including specialist science teachers with a science degree;
• People who work on applying science, technology or mathematics - for example, patent clerks, statisticians, computer technicians, consultants to industry;
• University students of science, technology, engineering or maths (over 18)
• People who apply science, mathematics or engineering in the armed forces or government bodies
• People who apply science, engineering or mathematics in industry or business
UNFORTUNATELY WE CAN'T ACCEPT PEOPLE WHO ARE:
• Press or PR officers, even for science-related organisations
• Artists who work on science-related themes
• Performers whose shows are about science or engineering
• Science centre staff who work exclusively or mainly with the public
• Journalists and broadcasters (as their main or only job)
• Non-specialist school teachers
UNLESS that activity is a temporary placement or short-term job, and they plan to return to practising or researching science or engineering in the near future.
A note for teachers:
• Specialist teachers (science or maths) are welcome to enter, although please note that presentations should be aimed at a general adult audience.
Back to the top
|
