International science communication competition returns to Swansea for 2018

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Swansea University Public Engagement forum will once again host the Swansea heat of FameLab 2018- the UK’s biggest competition to discover new talent in the communication of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

FameLab 2018

 

Title: Famelab 2018 - Swansea heat

Date: Wednesday 24th January

Time: 7:30pm

Venue:National Waterfront Museum

 

 

The competition will be taking place at the National Waterfront Museum in partnership with Oriel Science Café and is open to those aged 21 or over, who are studying or working in the STEM field, including specialist science or maths teachers.

Armed with only their wits and a few props, competitors have just three minutes to pitch a scientific concept of their choice and are assessed on three qualities: Content, Clarity and charisma.

This year’s judging panel includes:

  • Tim Rutter, Head of Communications at Tata Steel Strip Products UK
  • Dr Tim Cockerill, zoologist and circus performer
  • And Dr Ruth Callaway, SEACAMS Research Officer at Swansea University.

The Swansea heats have always played host to a wide variety of topics, including how coral reef fish use sound, the wonders of titanium dioxide and the mathematics of infinity. FameLab showcases those who possess the skill to communicate complex scientific information in an understandable, engaging, and succinct manner, no matter the topic!

Up to five people will be selected from the Swansea heat to go through to the Welsh regional final, which will be held in Swansea on 28th February. The winner of the regional final will then go on to represent Wales at a weekend communications master class in Cheltenham, culminating in the UK final at the Science Museum in London on 25th April. The national winner will then compete against more than 25 international finalists to battle it out for the title of FameLab International Champion at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival.

Whilst competitors are welcome to enter on the day, early registration is advised, as there will be one-to-one appointments on the 19th January to help entrants develop their talks, with an additional training session from Science made Simple.

Carol Glover (2017 FameLab Swansea heat)

Carol Glover from Swansea University's College of Engineering, runner-up in the 2017 UK final, said: “FameLab is a brilliant concept, offering a platform for scientists to practice communicating their research passions in a concise format that is both understandable and exciting for the audience. The experience has been invaluable for me."

For more details, contact Rhian Melita Morris (College of Science) or Sharon Bishop (College of Engineering).