FameLab to pick young and aspiring scientists today

Twelve participants will compete at the national finals of FameLab, the world’s largest science communication competition, which takes place today at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Center.

Divided into two categories, ‘Young Scientists’ and ‘Aspiring Scientists’, each contestant will deliver a three-minute presentation on a subject of scientific interest to a panel of judges and the audience, using only their personality, informative communication style, and minimal props. They will be judged on content, clarity, and charisma.

The winner from the researchers and teachers category, ‘Aspiring Scientists’, will go on to take part in the international FameLab final in the UK at the Cheltenham Science Festival in June, where they will get the opportunity to represent Qatar.

Student winners from the ‘Young Scientists’ category will go to the London International Science Youth Forum (LIYSF) and meet with young scientists from countries all around the world.

This is the first time the competition has come to Qatar and the GCC, and it has materialised thanks to the efforts of the British Council and Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a member of Qatar Foundation Research & Development (QF R&D), as well as the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), Qatar University (QU), and HBKU.

Part of Qatar Foundation For Education, Science and Community Development (QF), QNRF helps to foster a scientific culture that supports QF’s mission to build Qatar’s innovation and technological capacity, while positioning the nation as a hub of excellence.

“QNRF is extremely pleased to be the local partner of the British Council in Qatar, helping to organise the FameLab event. It offers an excellent platform for young people and young scientists in the country to communicate their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and engage their peers both regionally and internationally,” said Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director of QNRF.

“Qatar is pioneering STEM subjects by being the first GCC partner country to deliver FameLab. We firmly believe this engaging competition will not only connect young Qatari people with the global science communication movement, but also prepare them to build a knowledge-based economy, envisioned by the Qatar National Vision 2030,” added Dr Al Taie.

“Science is crucial to tackling major global challenges, and a public understanding of science is essential to build support, funding, and encourage the next generation of researchers. The British Council is delighted to be working with QNRF through FameLab to develop communication skills in Qatari scientists and help them engage the public and policy makers with their research,” said Frank Fitzpatrick, Country Director, British Council in Qatar.

More than 65 students, 45 teachers, and 55 researchers applied to take part, attending pre-event communication training. Entrants were then required to participate in two competition heats held at QU and then the MEHE headquarters.