FameLab - Limerick Regional Heat

Passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, Design, Mathematics? 
Want to tell the world?  Then FameLab needs you!

Held annually in over 30 countries across the globe, Famelab is the world's largest science communication competition.   

The University of Limerick is running an online regional heat on Thursday, 27 May at 18:30.  The event is being managed in partnership between the British Council and the Faculty of Science and Engineering, UL in association with the SFI Discover Programme.

With science becoming increasingly specialised, those working in the field can struggle to explain their projects to colleagues let alone the general public.  And explaining what you do can be extraordinarily important. The organisers of FameLab have recognised this and challenge up and coming scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians to explain a complex idea in a straightforward and engaging way.

In Limerick, armed only with their wits and a few props, the top newest voices from the world of science and engineering across the country will deliver short 3-minute pieces on bizarre and pertinent science concepts.  Presentations will then be judged according to FameLab’s "3 Cs": Content, Clarity and Charisma.

Be in with a chance of winning prizes on the night.  Top two entrants will go through to the Ireland National Final in October 2021.   Other prizes include a Science Communication Master Class weekend with world renowned expert for top two entrants.  Prizes also include €1,800, 2nd iPad Mini 4 and 3rd €250 voucher and significant national / international media exposure for the National FameLab winner.

To enter the University of Limerick heat, simply complete the attached application form at http://www.britishcouncil.ie/famelab/enter-competition/apply.  Application forms to be submitted by Tuesday 11th May 2021. 

For the first time ever FameLab Ireland Briefings will be offered to all interested in the competition! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/famelab-limerick-briefing-2021-tickets-150063521031 to find out more about this year's competition and to wet your appetite with a few science communication tips and tricks. A Science Communication Training session will be held provided prior to the Heat on the afternoon of the 14th May 2021.   All applicants are invited to attend training free of charge. 

Over 9,000 participants have taken part across the globe so far. Aside from great prizes including an all-expenses paid two-day communication master class, contestants will have the chance to represent Ireland at the Famelab international finals at the Cheltenham Science Festival with representatives from organisations like NASA and CERN. By entering FameLab, you will begin a journey with like-minded people, build your networks, expand skill sets essential for developing your career and, most of all, have a fantastic time!

'For me FameLab was a great experience!’ said Deirdre Robertson, Psychologist Research Officer at ESRI and FameLab Ireland winner. ‘As there are a number of different rounds you will improve as you progress. This is helped by all of the training you receive (free of charge, of course) from some of the world’s top science communicators. By being involved, your communication and public speaking skills will be honed and these will be of use to you in many fields down the line. And most importantly it is great fun–getting to meet many other people from around the world who share the same passion as you for science communication’.

Liz McBain, British Council Ireland, said ‘We are delighted to see FameLab coming to Limerick again and to witness the competition growing from strength to strength in Ireland.  We have some of the most talented STEM professionals but talent isn’t enough.    In this global economy, they need also to learn to communicate their science to local and international audiences-to investors, to partners, to colleagues and even to the wider public. FameLab provides an ideal platform to do this’

Mags Walsh, Director, British Council Ireland, said, “As the world grapples with the Coronavirus pandemic, the importance of clear and engaging communication about scientific subjects is more important than ever. Initiatives like FameLab equip scientists and researchers with the skills they need to communicate with a general audience and we in British Council Ireland are proud to support their development. Clear communication between all communities - be they scientific, political, business or NGOs is crucial during this crisis and programmes like FameLab that support communication and understanding have an important role to play globally.”