The British Council, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Science Festival and Cheltenham Science Festival, is bringing global science competition FameLab back to Northern Ireland.
Held annually in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States, it last took place here in 2006 and has helped a number of local scientists climb the career ladder.
These include biologist, writer, science communicator and TV presenter, Simon Watt. Originally from Castlederg, the 31-year-old took part in the competition back in 2005, where he got through to the UK national final.
Simon says he largely has FameLab to thank for kick-starting his career. He said: “When I entered FameLab, I didn’t really put a lot of thought into how it would affect my future — for me, it was just a chance to have a lot of fun and meet new people.
“FameLab introduced me to a new way of thinking about science and my career. The masterclasses involve an intensive media and presentation skills training course, which improves and hone skills, helps shake off bad habits and inspires new ideas.”
Another Northern Ireland advocate of FameLab is Karl Byrne (34), from Dromara. Karl originally took part in the competition back in 2006, when he was studying for his PhD in Clinical Biochemistry at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Since then he has gone on to write science shows, present on the Discovery Channel, train scientists and science communicators, lecture in science communication, and design exhibitions for science centres. He is currently the senior programme co-ordinator at Cheltenham Science Festival.
He said: “Before entering the competition, I’d started to dislike science, which was horrible for me, as I’ve wanted to work in this field since I was four-years-old.
“FameLab reminded me of why I love science — which is why I do what I do now.”
The FameLab final will take place at The Black Box, Belfast on Wednesday, February 25. The winner will then progress on to the UK national final.