Campaign image for FameLab Climate Change Communicators featuring heart, globe, light bulb, rainbow, a pair of shaking hands and speech bubble icons
The FameLab Climate Change Communicators Online Final is set to take place on 28 September 2021

Ten aspiring science communicators are set to compete in the British Council’s FameLab Climate Change Communicators Online Final to become the next influential voice on climate action.

Global audiences are invited to tune in to the online show on YouTube on 28 September 2021, 15.00 – 16.30 UK time, to watch bite-sized climate science talks from the finalists of this year’s competition who hail from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Philippines, Mexico and Brazil. The finalists will demonstrate how the latest innovations and applications of science and technology can help to tackle the climate crisis. 

Each competitor will have just three minutes to present their work or research linked to climate science to win over the hearts and minds of audiences and judges alike. They will be judged on the 3C’s of FameLab - content, clarity and charisma - before the panel decides who will take home the coveted title of global winner. Audiences will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite talk to decide who will be awarded the audience prize.

The panel of judges are: 

  • Alice Bell, co-director at the UK climate charity Possible
  • Nadia El-Awady, freelance science writer and editor
  • Yadvinder Malhi, Professor of Ecosystem Science at the Environmental Change Institute, and Senior Research Fellow at Oriel College, University of Oxford.

Speaking on her role, Alice Bell said:

‘The international scope of the competition is very exciting. Although climate change is an international issue, a lot of us can end up in work looking at impacts or ways to tackle it in one part of the world or another. Projects like this give us a chance to bring people from around the world together.’  

‘I'm looking forward to hearing some fresh perspectives and new approaches to talking about the topic of climate change.’ 

Following their selection, the ten finalists have been learning the tricks of the trade through intensive masterclass training with UK science communication trainer Wendy Sadler to help hone their skills ahead of the Online Final.

The FameLab Climate Change Communicators hail from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Philippines, Mexico and Brazil. 

Adrian Fenton, Senior Consultant in Public Engagement at the British Council said: 

‘It’s been a real pleasure connecting with our ten FameLab Climate Change Communicators. They have all been engaging with the science communication training, learning from each other, as well as sharing their own unique cultural perspectives. We’re sure each finalist will go on to make a positive impact in their field and help to build global trust in climate science.’

‘We wish them the best of luck for the Online Final. We encourage everyone to tune in, watch their talks and vote for their favourites!’ 

The winner’s journey won’t end there - the top FameLab Climate Change Communicator will progress through to the FameLab International Online Final in November, one of the world’s leading science communication competitions. 

The Online Final will be hosted by Jamie Gallagher, an award-winning science communication and engagement professional based in Glasgow, UK, whose home city will host the COP26 climate change summit in November.

FameLab Climate Change Communicators is one of many activities the British Council is delivering as part of The Climate Connection programme: the British Council’s global platform for dialogue, cooperation and action against climate change. 

FameLab Climate Change Communicators is one of many activities the British Council is delivering as part of The Climate Connection programme: the British Council’s global platform for dialogue, cooperation and action against climate change.  

Follow the FameLab International Facebook and Twitter channels for event updates and to hear more about the international finalists.

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