The University of Westminster has been named the London hub for FameLab, the world's largest science communication competition and training programme aimed to find and support the next generation of science leaders.
Founded by Cheltenham Festivals in 2005, FameLab operates in over 30 countries and has engaged more than 40,000 scientists and engineers in science communication. As the London hub, the University will host a FameLab competition, where researchers will get the chance to compete for the title of best science communicator.
The competition aims to encourage and enable science-related researchers to communicate their work with the public in engaging and exciting ways. Through this, FameLab strives to create an active, international community of science-related researchers who are confident and skilled in communicating their research with the public.
To compete, each participant has three minutes to impress the judges with a video presentation on any scientific, technology, engineering, mathematical, social science or medical topic of their choice. Before they submit their presentation, applicants will receive online or live training in communicating science to a live audience to help them feel prepared. With the successful video submissions chosen, the University will hold either semi-finals or just a final to find the winner.
The winner will get the chance to attend a FameLab National Masterclass delivered by a FameLab Masterclass trainer to boost their communication skills even further. They will then be invited to compete in the UK National Final which will take place live at the Cheltenham Science Festival in June 2025 and will see all the winners across the UK hubs compete. The winner of this will have another chance to brush up on their skills with an International Masterclass that will be hosted online by Cheltenham Festivals before they go on to represent the UK at the FameLab International Final in November 2025.
Westminster focuses on creating a space where science research and communication thrive. It recognises the significant role of its research communities in working across all colleges to support talent, capacity and drive and to foster interdisciplinary research. It holds an array of in-house science communication expertise. Currently, at the University, students and academics have the opportunity to communicate across sectors around the research they are undertaking. Cavendish Living Lab student outreach leaders have run events across Westminster campuses and with local schools to share their knowledge about how science can boost sustainability, and have even spoken to local radio about the work being carried out at the Living Lab. Additionally, students from Westminster’s Gene Editors of the Future programme have taken part in a televised roundtable discussion on a recent breakthrough in cancer treatment.
The University of Westminster is now calling for applications for people to compete in this year’s competition. They are looking for STEM postgraduate students over the age of 21, STEM professionals and early-career STEM researchers across Westminster and London. Applications for the competition will open on 1 October 2024.
Professor Andrew Linn, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: "Science Communication is a core commitment and considerable strength at the University of Westminster, and becoming the London FameLab hub will allow us to build further in this hugely important area, and have some fun into the bargain. Our Graduate School runs an annual three-minute thesis competition for PhD researchers, so again we are building on a strong foundation. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor for research and knowledge exchange, I'm really thrilled about this."
Anna Christodoulou, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager at the University of Westminster, said: “Our University’s mission is well aligned with FameLab’s objectives, as we are already encouraging and enabling our science-related researchers to communicate their work in an engaging and meaningful way and we build communities that bring research to the public through two-way, impactful engagement.”
This collaboration directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about FameLab and how to apply.
