FameLab® Egypt
What is Famelab®? 
FameLab® is an international competition initiated by the Cheltenham Science Festival and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) at the UK.

FameLab®, mainly designed to identify and nurture talents in science communications, specifically aims at:  

  • Encouraging young scientists to find their voices and to communicate with the wider public in an open, inspired and interactive way
  • Attracting people with passion for science to share their enthusiasm with the wider public making science fun and inspiring young people to consider a career in science
  • Promoting science as part of popular culture
 
  Why is FameLab® introduced in Egypt?
The Competition is intorduced to Egypt in support of the government’s efforts to advance science and to build a culture that understands and supports the positive role science plays in the economic and social well-being of society.

Famelab® Egypt, introduced by the British Council in partnership with the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Programme will be the first in the Middle East and Africa.

 
  How does the competition work in Egypt?
Young Egyptian scientists and science students from 18 to 40 years old, working or studying Basic, Life or Engineering Sciences are encouraged to participate and compete.

To ensure geographical out reach in Egypt, three local competitions/heats will be organized in Alexandria, Assuit in addition to Cairo. Winners of local heats will compete in the final event which will be an integral part of the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace (Jan. 26-28, 2010) organised by the RDI Programme.
 

  What is expected from contestants and how will they be judged?
Contestants are expected to deliver an entertaining and original three-minute talk about any scientific topic with no PowerPoint or other electronic presentation and limited use of props. The talk must be scientifically accurate, but also engaging to a non-scientific audience.

The contestants will be judged on Content, Clarity, and Charisma by a jury comprised of leading figures from the world of science and media.

FameLab® similar to TV programmes like Pop Idol – where each competitor has just 3 minutes to prove him/herself to a panel of expert judges, with only the best going forward to the next round.
 


  What about the International competition?
The champion of each country will be fully sponsored to travel to the UK and compete with the winners of other countries including Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hong Kong, Libya, Morocco, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, the UK and others.
 
  British Council
The British Council is the UK’s principal agent for international cultural relations. Our work is driven by our strong belief in internationalism, a commitment to professionalism and an enthusiasm for creativity. These qualities, together with our integrity and our conviction that cultural relations can help individuals and the world community to thrive, make the British Council a good partner.
 
  The Research, Development and Innovation Programme (RDI)
The RDI is a Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Programme financed by the European Commission. The RDI Programme is committed to strengthening the link between research and development (R&D) sector and the industry while enhancing the innovation and technology transfer culture.