The British Council and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Partner Again for a New Generation of Science Communicators in Egypt
Cairo, 19 January, 2016 – As part of its commitment towards young Egyptians, the British Council and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have teamed up for FameLab®, the UK’s biggest search for the new voices of science, to give enthusiastic early career scientists the chance to demonstrate their skills. Over the past 6 years 2,500 people participated in the FameLab® competition, and 63 have been qualified to the finals. Each year we have one winner and two runner-ups to travel to the UK to participate in Cheltenham science festival. Since FameLab® started in 2004 in the UK almost more than 6,000 contestants have participated in 25 countries around the world.
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Professor Ashraf El Sheihi explains the importance of science communication in building knowledge societies. "Science Communicators are the nucleus of the society in order to enable a better understanding of scientific concepts, and enrich the national culture with the science culture. It is a new strand of culture that we need to promote since it is the fundamental basis for innovation and development. The Ministry of Scientific Research sees science as the current language for youth, and science communication as a mean for younger generation to explore, interact, and thus be able to increase the level of awareness about sciences to pave the way for a prosperous future", he stated.
“Education, research, and innovation are central to the UK-Egypt relationship. Our two countries are working together to find new ideas, new talents, and new partnerships. Over the last seven years FameLab® has helped young scientists from across Egypt bring their ideas and innovations to the world, drawing on their passion and commitment to developing solutions which benefit their country’s economic growth, address public health challenges, and combat major environmental issues”, said James Hampson, Deputy Director, British Council Egypt.
Young Egyptians, between 18 - 40 years of age, who are studying or working in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, can participate in FameLab® heats. Interested participants must complete and submit their registration form online on the website no later than Sunday 31 January 2016.
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 jury panel will include eminent scientists, science communicators and public figures.
FameLab® 2016 heats will be running from 20 February – 19 March 2016 according to the below schedule:
| Venue | Date |
| National Research Centre – Cairo | 20 February 2016 |
| Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport – Alexandria | 27 February 2016 |
| Beni Suef University – Beni Suef | 12 March 2016 |
| Suez Canal University – Ismailia | 19 March 2016 |
The finalists will get the chance to take part in a weekend Master Class with an expert in media & communication skills, before vying for the title of FameLab® Egypt 2016 Champion at the National Final Competition in April, 2016.
This year’s competition is supported by, the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Programme, the Delegation of the European Union in Egypt, Misr El-Kheir Foundation, Al-Alfi Foundation, the National Research Centre, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Beni Suef University, Suez Canal University, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union and Al Masry Al Youm Corporation.
FameLab® is an international competition initiated by the Cheltenham Science Festival and theNational Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) in the UK. FameLab® International is delivered by Cheltenham festival’s global partner the British council.