Passionate about science ? FameLab Benelux needs you !

FameLab, the international science communication competition for young scientists and engineers, is launching in the Benelux region for the first time in 2014 with the support of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and Innovative Brussels.

With only three minutes to impress the judges, candidates can use whatever props they can carry to present their chosen subject to a live audience. Previous candidates have answered questions such as “Will we ever live on Mars?”, “Is 3D printing the second industrial revolution?”, and “Why do men have nipples?”. A panel comprising science, media, and public relations professionals will judge each presentation according to the golden rule of the 3Cs : Content, Clarity and Charisma.

The closing date for applications is 10 March 2014. Regional selections will take place on 27 March in Wageningen in association with the Wageningen University & Research Centre, on 10 April in Groningen with the University of Groningen, and on 7 April in Brussels in partnership with the Planetarium of the Royal Observatory of Belgium and the University of Leuven.

FameLab gives candidates the opportunity to:

·       meet and connect with other science enthusiasts and become part of the FameLab Benelux and FameLab International networks;

·       develop vital communication skills; and

·       share their passion for science with the public.

Ten finalists chosen from across the Benelux will win a 2-day Master Class in science communication at KNAW in Amsterdam, working with leading science communication professionals to develop their media and presentation skills, before going on to compete against one another in the Benelux Final at Science Centre NEMO in Amsterdam on 22 May.

The overall winner of FameLab Benelux will then travel to the UK in June to attend the Cheltenham Science Festival and to take part in theFameLab International Final, competing against other finalists from 25 countries across the world, to see who will be crowned the 2014 FameLab International champion!

What the participants say…..

FameLab introduced me to the world of science communication. Inspired by the competition, I started my own video blog, in which I discuss computer science topics, and have received thousands of views so far. I wouldn't have done this without FameLab Ohad Barzilay, FameLab Israel 2009 Runner-up

I had a chance to practice and improve my communication skills, meet unbelievable people, learn, laugh, be inspired and most of all have an amazing time. Myrtani Pieri, International Winner 2011

FameLab

Since its birth at the Times Cheltenham Science Festival in 2005, FameLab® has grown into arguably the world’s leading science communication competition. A partnership with the British Council since 2007 has seen the competition go global with more than 5000 young scientists and engineers participating in over 25 different countries across the world. Cheltenham Festivals and the British Council co-produce the FameLab International Final held at the Cheltenham Science Festival each June.

Contact: g.vasse@rug.nl (Glenda Vasse)

Web famelabbenelux.org

Twitter #FameLabBNL