The international science communication FameLab is organized this year for the first time in Belgium. Young researchers are challenged to explain a science topic in 3 minutes in an understandable and sometimes humoristic manner.
The participants can use all kinds of objects, but no computer or slides. In previous editions, questions like “Will we ever live on Mars?”, “Is 3D printing the new industrial revolution?” or “Why do men have nipples?”, were addressed. The scientists engage the audience in the magic world of the universe, quantum physics, vaccination, nuclear energy and genetics.
The Flemish selections, presented by Lieven Scheire (known from Neveneffecten, Basta, Scheire en De Schepping), take place 23rd of April at Ghent University. The Walloon selections took place at 18th of April in the University of Namur. The Belgian finals will take place on May 12th in Leuven. The winner can compete in the international final at the Cheltenham Science Festival in June. There is £1000 prize money to win, plus £750 to spend on a public engagement activity. Famelab is one of the most important science communication competitions of the world.
