FameLab is one of the biggest science communication competitions in the world. It is designed to inspire, motivate and develop young scientists and engineers to actively engage with the public and stakeholders.
Effective science communication has the potential to alter stereotypes, create excitement and interest, and ultimately justify public funding for scientific research.
FAMELAB MALAYSIA
FameLab Malaysia started in 2015. The British Council collaborates with the Malaysian Industry- Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) to deliver FameLab in Malaysia.
Over 373 participants have taken part in the competition to date and this year attracting 67 applicants. It is open to all Malaysians who are above 21 years old, study or work in science, engineering,technology, medicine or mathematics and passionate in public engagement
Every year, between 10 and 12 finalists are selected from the Heats to compete in the National Final. The finalists will be equipped with science communication skills through a two-day masterclass organised by the British Council. This will be delivered by a UK science communicator such as Dallas Campbell, who is a science television presenter and writer who has worked for the BBC for many years and currently presents a series for NatGeo called Science of Stupid.
"FameLab provided me with the perfect impetus to improve myself. It gave me the platform for my voice to be heard and the amazing privilege to make an impact."
Professor Dr Abhi Veerakumarasivam, FameLab International Champion 2016
FameLab has produced 77 well trained alumni in science communication since its inception in Malaysia. Our alumni have used their skills and experience gained from the programmed to communicate their research, advocate for causes, extend their networks, support and train scientists and researchers on science communication and so much more. With the British Council's support, the Malaysian Science Communication Network has been established by two alumni, Dr Siti Khayriyyah and Professor Dr Abhi Veerakumarasivam, who won FameLab International in 2018 and 2016 respectively, to continue the FameLab legacy in equipping scientists and researchers in Malaysia with science communication skills.
FAMELAB INTERNATIONAL
FameLab was started by Cheltenham Science Festival in 2005 and has grown into a global phenomenon in partnership with the British Council since 2007.
- It is a competition aimed at finding, developing and mentoring young science and engineering communicators
- FameLab requires the participants to engage audiences in a three-minute presentation on scientific topics and concepts. Every presentation is judged according to the golden rules of the 3 Cs: content, clarity and charisma
- The competition consists of national heats and finals, followed by an international final in the UK at Cheltenham Science Festival. Events are held in front of live audiences and are often televised or streamed online
- The programme involves leading international media and communication trainers, world class judges from international science and media disciplines.
FameLab is a successful model in identifying, training and mentoring young scientists and engineers to share their enthusiasm for the subjects with the public.
- A partnership with the British Council since 2007 has seen the competition go global with more than 10,000 young scientists and engineers participating to date
- FameLab earns more than 54 million media views each year
- There are over 35 participating countries to date.