Pandemic highlights importance of clear, engaging science communication. Organised by British Council Ireland and funded by Science Foundation Ireland, FameLab teaches scientists and engineers how to convey their knowledge to others in a way that is engaging, enlightening and entertaining. The Ireland winner, chosen from 12 finalists, will participate in the FameLab International Finals in November.

Who will be crowned Ireland’s most skilful science communicator? A total of 12 finalists from across the country are set to compete in the annual FameLab Ireland National Final on September 30.

Eight PHD students, two researchers, a lecturer and a clinical scientist from Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Cork, Portugal, South Africa and Canada will compete to deliver the most inspiring three-minute talk about a complex scientific topic using charisma, charm and wit to engage their audience.

The prestigious international competition, managed by British Council Ireland and supported by Science Foundation Ireland, aims to motivate and enable scientists and engineers to convey their knowledge with others in a way that is engaging, enlightening and entertaining, sharing their enthusiasm and passion for science with the public. 

This will be the final year of the FameLab competition which has enticed more than 1,000 early career STEM professionals from across Ireland to participate over the past nine years.

Network of more than 90 Ireland alumni

FameLab boasts a network of more than 90 Ireland alumni who continue to inspire engagement with science among the Irish public. Many of these have achieved great success such as Dr Fergus McAuliffe (iCRAG) who won the FameLab International title in 2013 and has since developed a career in science communication (RTÉ’s 10ThingsToKnowAbout); Dr Niamh Kavanagh, named one of ‘20 incredible women leading the way to scientific advancement’ and ‘13 women helping women in STEM’ by Silicon Republic; and Tracey-Jane Cassidy, founder of the award-winning Junior Einstein’s Science Club to name but a few.

Liz McBain, head of programme, British Council Ireland, said: “The importance of comprehensible and engaging science communication has never been so clear. FameLab equips scientists and researchers with the skills they need to communicate with a general audience and we in British Council Ireland are proud to support this important endeavour.

"The pandemic has highlighted the importance of clear communication between all communities – scientific, political, business or NGOs and programmes like FameLab that support communication and understanding have an important role to play globally.”

The 12 finalists overcame strong competition from more than 70 contestants through FameLab regional heats in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick, as well as a nationwide FameLab video competition. 

All entrants took part in a science communication training session and the lucky top 12 benefited from a prestigious master class with former BBC producer and public communication skills trainer, Malcolm Love and TV/radio broadcaster, Jonathan McCrea.

Every presentation will be judged according to the golden rule of the three Cs: content, clarity and charisma by a panel of experts. The winner will then go on to represent Ireland in the International Finals in November.

Dr Ruth Freeman, director of science for society, Science Foundation Ireland, said: “Congratulations to all this year’s FameLab participants on their fantastic presentations and communications skills. Now, more than ever, it is important for people to engage with STEM. 

"Science Foundation Ireland, through the SFI Discover Programme, is delighted to support FameLab, which facilitates participants to learn and practice vital skills in communicating often complex research topics. Through the art of storytelling, science subjects are brought to life for new audiences in an engaging and inspiring way that generates discussion and improves scientific literacy at this very critical time.”

Since its birth at the Cheltenham Science Festival in 2005, FameLab has grown into the world’s leading science communication competition. A partnership with the British Council since 2007 has seen the competition go global with more than 40,000 young scientists and engineers participating to date across 35 different countries.

The FameLab Ireland final is hosted by TV and radio broadcaster Jonathan McCrea and can be viewed live on Thursday September 30th at 6 pm on the British Council Ireland Facebook page. Visit: https://www.britishcouncil.ie/events/famelab-ireland-2021-virtual-final for more information.

Keep up with all the action on Twitter by following @FameLab_ireland and join the conversation using #FameLab.

FameLab Ireland 2021 finalists

  1. Adam Stapleton While often found spinning on his head or climbing the tallest thing he can find in his vicinity, Adam (surprisingly to some) holds an Honours degree in Theoretical Physics from UCD and is currently pursuing a PhD in Machine Learning (ML). Adam's research looks at the applications of ML in Climate Science - from predicting air pollution to understanding how the planet breathes.
  2. Debismita Dutta is a material science PhD student studying magnetic nanoparticles who loves art, jazz, and all things science. She believes creative, distilled teaching can make science simpler, exciting and fun. A lab nerd by day and a crochet granny by night, Debismita has a B Tech in Chemical Engineering which she uses to make sub-par tea. Twitter: @Debbie7D
  3. Fernando Diaz is a PhD student at Tyndall National Institute. Originally from Spain, he decided to come to Ireland to learn English and fell in love with the country. Right now he is working on the development of an immunosensor for the detection of microorganisms in plants. Fernando already feels like a winner by making society understand about the microbiology around us. Twitter: @fergardiaz93
  4. Ifeolutembi Fashina (or Tembi for short) moved to Ireland from Nigeria to study Human Genetics at Trinity College Dublin. She then ventured out into industry, working on regulatory reporting for clinical trials. She is currently a PhD student at the McCoy Lab in RCSI, where she uses bioinformatics tools to explore how microRNA variation influences Multiple Sclerosis. She is passionate about making science accessible for non-scientists and telling lesser-told science stories. She also enjoys aerial sports and reading fiction. Twitter: @microtemb
  5. Jack Daly is a complex individual who straddles the line between genius and madman. His research background is as diverse as a Christmas selection box with interests in plant biotechnology, gut microbes and human physiology. Jack developed his skills of science communication to keep him off the mean streets. He avidly utilises these skills as a PhD candidate at UCC. Twitter: @jackwdaly
  6. Kevin Mercutio is a 1st year PhD student at Trinity College Dublin researching the impact of microRNAs on the gut microbiome. He’s also an avid blogger, published fiction writer and host of the Metaphorigins Podcast. Kevin has performed science communication pieces on national and regional platforms and volunteers for SciComm initiatives like Science Slam Canada and Trinity’s University Times newspaper. Twitter: @kjbmercurio
  7. Kyra Menai Hamilton originally from North Wales, completed a BSc in BioVeterinary Science at Harper Adams University. She worked as a ruminant research technician there before undertaking a PhD with UCD between Teagasc and AgResearch in New Zealand. Her research concentrates on parasite fitness and anthelmintic drug resistance. In her spare time, Kyra enjoys hiking, crochet and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Twitter: @kaiimenai
  8. Mariana Silvia originally from Portugal, came to Ireland as part of her PhD programme as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow. Her research focuses on developing a method to produce tiny particles of drug molecules that have the potential to transform daily pills.  It will make them a thing of the past by turning them into an injectable that treats a condition for months! Outside the lab, Mariana enjoys doing photosynthesis while reading and is fascinated by outer space. Twitter: @mhbbsilva
  9. Reabetswe Zwane is originally from South Africa. She came to Ireland to pursue her doctorate and is currently in the third year of her PhD at Dublin City University. Her project focuses on the computational modelling of pharmaceuticals. Away from the computer, Rea enjoys writing, the sea and quality time with loved ones. Twitter: @rea_zwane
  10. Roshaida Abdul Wahab is originally from Malaysia. Roshaida graduated with a medical degree and Masters from Trinity College Dublin before obtaining a PhD from University College Dublin. In medicine, Roshaida specialised in Pathology & currently holds the Diplomateship of the Royal College of Pathologists, UK. Outside work, she enjoys endurance sports, anime and manga.
  11. Tammy Strickland With a background in Human Health and Disease (TCD), Paediatrics (TCD) and Regenerative Medicine (NUIG), Tammy now works in a research lab in RCSI that investigates the link between disrupted circadian rhythms and various neurological conditions including acquired epilepsy. Having previously taught biology and anatomy, Tammy really enjoys communicating science to anyone who is interested. She also occasionally dabbles in biology-themed visual arts and sculpture (provided she’s had enough coffee!). Twitter: @strickl_t
  12. Walter Stanley is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical/Aeronautical engineering at UL. He has over 25 years’ experience (started at the young age of 8…ahem) specifically in the area of stress analysis (to which his students will attest and suffer), composite materials manufacture and mechanical testing. And of course, his other main passion is aeroplanes (not flying of course… driving a car is exertion enough… as other road users may testify). Twitter: @walterfstanley