Description
Young scientists leave the laboratories and lecture halls and present their own research projects on the stages in clubs, theatres and pubs in front of the general public.
Cartoons, experiments, live singing: In this scientific short lecture contest everything is allowed to get points from the audience, everything except your standard powerpoint presentations. But there is one thing presenters should consider: the time is usually limited to five to ten minutes. Since the audience forms the jury and evaluates the presentations by applause or grading cards, it is advisable for the slammers – often up-and-coming researchers – to use everyday language and include gags. Because besides scientific content, entertainment value and comprehensibility are also evaluated.
The British Council’s FameLab, a special form of science slam, is comprised exclusively of scientists from the natural sciences, engineering and medicine. They only have three minutes to present their topic. Participants are not allowed to use presentation slides, but only use tools that they can bring to the stage on their own.
In contrast to the Science Slam, it is not the audience that votes here, but a jury of experts. The evaluation criteria are content, clarity and charisma, because the presentation should inform and entertain at the same time.
FameLab is an international competition: The winners of each national final may then represent his or her nation in the international FameLab final at the Cheltenham Science Festival.
Target Audience
- Adult citizens
- Teenagers
You can do it with all those groups, but we did it with professionals from different fields like public engagement or the cultural and creative sector.
Benefits
Benefits
This format is best suited to make science accessible to a broad audience and to inspire people to engage in scientific topics and research.
It is an ideal opportunity for participants to train their communication skills and network with other scientists from all over the world.
In addition, it is often an introduction to science communication for young scientists and can be used to recruit future “partners” for events among the participants.
Preparations
(Contact British Council for FameLab)
Location search
Technology (stage)
(Select jury members)
Select participants
Find a moderator
Marketing (for example via flyer, Facebook, Twitter,…)
Science Slam: Select prize for winner
Institution
British Council
For further information you may also contact:
