Could you be one of the 21st century faces of science?

Press release issued: 19 March 2009

A national competition to discover the 21st century faces of science is being held next month [Saturday 18 April] in Bristol. The ‘NESTA FameLab 2009’ competition is looking for charismatic scientists, who can share their expert knowledge, engage the public and allow them to see the world from a new perspective.

A national competition to discover the 21st century faces of science is being held next month [Saturday 18 April] in Bristol. The ‘ NESTA FameLab 2009’ competition is looking for charismatic scientists, who can share their expert knowledge, engage the public and allow them to see the world from a new perspective.

Auditions for the competition, hosted by Explore-At-Bristol, will require entrants to present a three-minute ‘scientific talk’ pitch to a panel of high-profile science, media and communications professionals, including Bristol University’s Professor Kathy Sykes and New Scientist Editor, Roger Highfield. This will be followed by a regional final held later that day whereby shortlisted entrants will be asked to provide another three-minute presentation.

The Bristol finalist will win a residential weekend masterclass where they will work with TV producers, journalists, science communicators and media trainers to develop their media and presentation skills. They will then have the chance to take part in the national final at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival in June, where the winner will receive a cash prize of £10,000.

Kaa-Sandra Chee, NESTA FameLab Manager, said: “If you are currently working in science and think you have what it takes to excite the public about your subject, we would urge you to come forward for the Bristol auditions.

“We are searching for charismatic new faces and voices of UK science, who can not only help to inform and excite the public about the day-to-day relevance of science, but also inspire the next generation of scientists who can make a big difference worldwide.”

The competition is the brainchild of The Times Cheltenham Science Festival, in partnership with NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts). Several previous NESTA FameLab winners and finalists have gone on to great things since taking part in the international competition. Steve Mould has been named as the new science anchor for FIVE news, while Maggie Aderin has become well known in the field of Astronomy and was recently awarded an MBE for her services to science. Evolutionary biologist Simon Watt, has gone on to present for Channel 4, while 2007 winner Jonathan Wood appears regularly on BBC Radio Oxford.

The Bristol heat of the national competition is being hosted by Explore-At-Bristol on Saturday 18 April. For more information visit the website.

Further information

To enter NESTA FameLab 09 you must be at least 21 years old and working in or studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics. This includes private and public sector employees, technicians and anyone working in or studying the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The competition aims to provide new opportunities for engineers and scientists to develop their skills as communicators.

Please contact Caroline Clancy for further information.