FameLab is back! Calling all scientists and engineers with a passion for public engagement.

FameLab is inviting scientists, mathematicians and engineers, both in academia and industry, across the UK to take part in its flagship science communications competition.

Contestants have just three minutes to convey a scientific concept of their choice. They will be judged by leading researchers, media personalities and science policy makers on the content, clarity and charisma of their presentation.For videos from previous years see: http://www.youtube.com/user/famelab

The UK winner receives £1000 cash prize and £750 to spend on a science communication activity and goes on to compete against over 25 other contestants from around the world at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival in June 2015.

The Rules: Contestants have just three minutes to present a topic in science, engineering or maths in an engaging way to a non-specialist adult audience. The judges are looking for somebody who can shine in content, clarity and charisma. You may not use PowerPoint. Props are limited to what you can carry on stage (there will be no time for set up). If you make it through the heats to the local final you will need a second presentation (which can be on the same topic, but must be demonstrably different in content).

Regional Heats will be taking place all over the UK in universities, museums, pubs, and festivals, ahead of the grand UK final on 22 April 2015 at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London. You can enter any of the regional heats, but you might be interested to know that the Manchester Heats will be held at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI):

• Training – Thu 20 Nov 2014, 11am-12pm
• Heat 1 – Thu 20 Nov 2014, 1-4pm / Heat 2 – Thu 20 Nov 2014, 6.30-8pm
• Final – Mon 8 Dec 2014, 6.30-9.30pm

For more heat options see http://famelab.org/node/1087/editf

Video Heats: If you can’t make any of the UK regional heats you can also choose to enter via a video heat. You have until 28 February 2015 to submit your entry. Just upload your video to YouTube / Vimeo or similar service, go to the registration form, sign up and paste the link to your entry in the relevant box. More information and video entry rules here:
http://famelab.org/video%20heat

For more information about the competition, participating locations and to register for the 2014-2015 UK competition: http://famelab.org/uk/famelab-uk-2015