APC News
National Final Of FameLab Ireland
National Final Of FameLab Ireland
APC Speakers Compete In First Virtual FameLab Ireland National Final
Among the 10 finalists in the Famelab National Final are APC’s Joe Pennycook and Simon Spichak who were awarded 1st and 2nd prizes for their talks at the recent Cork heat of Famelab. Given the current situation in Ireland with regard to Covid19, the final will now take place in a virtual studio and will be streamed live on Facebook.
Armed only with their wits and a few props, the top newest voices in science, technology, engineering and maths from across Ireland will give 3 minute talks on always fascinating, sometimes bizarre science concepts. Expect to hear anything from why newborn babies cry to how 3D glasses work and even the science behind pimple popping. Presentations will then be judged according to FameLab’s golden rule – the 3 Cs: Content, Clarity and Charisma.
The FameLab Ireland final will be an unpredictable, enlightening and exciting way to encourage your curiosity and give you a snapshot into the world of science. As an audience member you will also have the power to judge contestants along with an esteemed panel from academia, media and industry. The winner of FameLab Ireland will then go on to represent the nation at the FameLab International Finals, Cheltenham Science Festival, UK.
Aside from our 10 great finalists from across the country, our MC will again be Newstalk’s Jonathan McCrea and our interval act will be artist and science communicator, Emer Maguire – She has recorded her set already and there’s a ‘lock-down’ song that’s really worth tuning in for.
As this is our first virtual final, we wanted to have some experienced judges and, as such, are very happy to be joined by two former panel members, Dr Niall Smith, Head of Blackrock Castle Observatory and Judith Moffett, Director Cpl Resources. In addition, we’re excited to say that Gillian Burke, television broadcaster/producer, including for the BBC’s Springwatch series will be our third judge.
FameLab is an initiative of the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK. The British Council has licence to deliver the competition in over 30 countries internationally. In 2019-20, FameLab Ireland is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and is supported by Cpl Resources Plc and Henkel Ireland Limited. It is managed by British Council Ireland in collaboration with Newstalk 106-108fm, Science Gallery Dublin, Dublin City University, NUI Galway, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick and multiple science research centres.
So join us to witness leading scientific research, amaze friends with surprising facts and interact with individuals in Ireland responsible for tackling some of the biggest scientific issues in the world today. Further details about the judging panel and the interval act are coming soon, so please check their website or follow the competition on Facebook or Twitter .
FREE EVENT | FACEBOOK LIVESTREAM | DON’T MISS OUT
PHOTO (left to right): Joe Pennycook, 1st prize and Simon Spichak, 2nd prize, Famelab 2020 Cork Heat.
