Famelab – Science Explained in 180 Seconds
No April fool’s joke: On 1 April, the “FameLab” semifinals are taking place in Basel for the first time. Young researchers at the University of Basel compete against each other in presenting their research topic in 180 seconds as entertainingly as possible. All props are allowed, as long as the participants can carry them on stage by themselves. At the end of each presentation both the jury and the audience give out an award.
12 March 2015
The first “FameLab” at the University of Basel will feature young researchers proving that research does not have to be dry and researchers not boring. Participants at the “FameLab” try to entertain a lay audience with their research field. At the end of each presentation three members of the jury will ask questions regarding the goal of the research, its methodology and relevance to society. In addition to the main prize awarded by the jury, the general audience can vote for their favorite performance and award a public choice award.
“FameLab” challenges young researchers to explain their research as entertainingly as possible on a stage and in only 180 seconds. The short presentations can be held in German or English. For illustration all props are allowed as long as the presenters can carry them on stage by themselves. Allowed to participate are Master’s degree students, doctoral students and researchers younger than 35 years and from the fields of medicine, psychology and the sciences.
The idea behind “FameLab” comes from the UK and describes a competition in which young scientists present their research topic in an original, entertaining and understandable way. The goal is to find new communication talents around the globe. Entering the competition for “FameLab” Switzerland are ETH Zurich, the universities of Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich, the European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN, as well as the British Council who holds the sponsorship of “FameLab”. After the regional competitions, the national finals will takes place on Mai 8 at CERN in Geneva. All national winners will then meet in June for the international competition at the Cheltenham Science Festival in England.
«FameLab», semifinals for the national competition, 1 April 2015, 7:30 pm, doors open 6 pm, Naturhistorisches Museum, Augustinergasse 2, Basel, free admission.
Further information
Marc Creus, University of Basel, Department of Chemistry, email: marc.creus@unibas.ch
