The British Council and RDI Help Spark a New Generation of Science Communicators in Egypt
As part of its commitment toward young Egyptians, the British Council and The Research, Development and Innovation Programme (RDI) have teamed up for the fourth year in a row with FameLab, the UK’s biggest search for the new voices of science and engineering, to give enthusiastic early career scientists in the chance to demonstrate their skills.
The first heat will take place on Monday 4 March, 2013 from 10.00 to 19.00 at the Cairo University, Great hall.
Among the distinguished members of the jury committee will be Dr. Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, Preisdent of the Heliopolis University; Dr. Nadia El-Awady, Former President of the World Federation of Science Journalists; Dina Abdel Rahman, TV anchor; and Amr Waked, famous actor.
Young Egyptians, between 18-35 years old, who are studying or working in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, will have the chance to take part in FameLab heats running from 4–24 March 2013. The competition is opened for everyone and will be running for the first time in the Cairo, Ain Shams, Alexandria, Suez, and Assiut universities. In support of the scientific culture in Egypt, Cairokee Band will be performing live at the first heat. This season, we received more than 460 applications.
ONTV Channels and Al Masry Al Youm newspaper have joined this year’s competition as media sponsors along with Vodafone Egypt the main sponsor of FameLab Egypt. In support to the science culture in Egypt, Cairokee band will perform during the first heat.
Schedule of Heats:
| Date | Location |
| Wednesday 13 March | Assiut University |
| Saturday 16 March | Alexandria University |
| Wednesday 20 March | Ain Shams University |
| Sunday 24 March | Suez Canal University (Ismailia) |
| Friday 19 April | Final competition |
Contestants will have just three minutes to pitch a concept in science or engineering to the panel of judges. Each judge will assess the finalists’ presentations on three qualities: content, clarity and charisma.
The winner will get the chance to take part in a weekend Masterclass with experts in media and communication skills, before vying for the title of FameLab UK champion at the National Final on 19 April 2012.
FameLab® is an international competition initiated by the Cheltenham Science Festival and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) in the UK. FameLab International is delivered by Cheltenham festival’s global partner the British council.
For further information contact:
Rose marie Gad, Communication Manager, British Council Egypt
Tel: +(202) 3344 3076
Email: Rose.Gad@Britishcouncil.org.eg