Are you Mid Ulster’s brightest science star?

Jonathan Stewart, deputy director British Council Northern Ireland; Judith Harvey, W5 manager and Chris McCreery, director NI Science launch Famelab competition

The competition, which is calling out for entries from across Mid Ulster, is held annually in 20 countries from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

And the British Council, in conjunction with the inaugural NI Science Festival and Cheltenham Science Festival, are on the lookout for Northern Ireland’s next science star.

FameLab sees the top new voices from the world of science and engineering deliver short three-minute pieces on bizarre and pertinent science concepts, like why men have nipples to how 3D glasses work.

Presentations are then judged according to FameLab’s golden rule – the three Cs: Content, Clarity and Charisma.

Contestants, who should be working in or studying science, engineering, technology or mathematics, will need to upload a short video to YouTube which inspires, excites and engages the public with modern science.

These submissions will then be whittled down to just 10 who will compete to be crowned the winner of FameLab Northern Ireland.

Jonathan Stewart, deputy director at British Council NI, said there are many reasons to take part in this global competition.

He explained: “By entering FameLab you will begin a journey with like-minded people, explore your own potential and, most of all, have a fantastic time. Globally more than 4,000 individuals studying or working in STEM have taken part.

“The result is a vibrant network of exciting scientists and engineers engaging international audiences but also engaging with each other, broadening each other’s views of what it means to be working in science right now.”

Speaking about the competition, Chris McCreery, director of NI Science Festival said: “As the impact of science on society increases with every new discovery, it is vital that the public understand new developments in science. This requires scientists to have both the skills and desire to communicate their work.”

If you’re up to the challenge, you need to submit a video to YouTube and email the link along with the application form to [email protected] by Dec 31 2014.

The application, along with terms and conditions, can be found at nireland.britishcouncil.org.