Research off the paper and into the world
FameLab is bringing the world of scientific research to everyone
As the public, we are largely unaware of the incredible work being undertaken in labs and research facilities around our country and across the globe. Although not always explicitly, this research and innovation directly impacts our society and world. Science communication initiatives such as FameLab create spaces for the public to engage with science in an empowered and critical way.
The necessary detail, complexity, jargon and structure of research isn’t easily shared with a public that may not have a scientific background. Instead, communicating the effects and impacts of science is a more effective and empowering way of sharing knowledge. What good is groundbreaking innovation if it remains dressed in a white coat, between the closed pages of a scientific journal?
In the same vein, reading a research paper or publication out loud does not constitute science engagement. To counteract this, FameLab extracts the essence of innovation and shares it with the world it affects.
In South Africa, pre-heat training provided by Jive Media Africa, an independent science communication agency that initiated the competition in South Africa in 2013, draws on performance and public speaking techniques, helping to shape relevant, informative and easy-to-devour presentations. From structure and storytelling practices to eye contact and body language, this science communication training empowers young researchers and innovators to share their science with confidence.
The competition started at the Cheltenham Science festival in the UK in 2004, and is now implemented by the British Council in more than 30 countries as a tool for promoting collaboration in science and innovation globally. Participating countries include the US, Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Qatar, Kazakhstan, and, for the first time this year, Mauritius. FameLab has quickly become established as the diamond model for successfully identifying, training and mentoring scientists and engineers to share their enthusiasm.
The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (Saasta), a business unit of the National Research Foundation, is one of the three partner organisations that implement FameLab in South Africa. To advance public awareness, appreciation and engagement of science, engineering, innovation and technology in South Africa, Saasta creates spaces for science engagement. Saasta states: “Through education we build up the supply of tomorrow’s scientists and innovators. Through communication we celebrate South African achievements in science and technology and build the public’s appreciation of the benefits of science.”
Thousands of researchers have taken part in the competition globally, resulting in a vibrant network of highly skilled young scientists capable of engaging public audiences and starting conversations. A growing number of South African research organisations, research centres and institutes of higher education have partnered with FameLab to develop skills to share their contributions in science, technology and innovation.
Partner organisations are provided with an annual opportunity to get on board and benefit from the FameLab initiative. The research organisations include the CSIR, the Square Kilometre Array, Mintek, the Academy of Science of South Africa, the department of science and technology, the National Research Foundation Centres of Excellence in Strong Materials, Palaeo Sciences and Mathematics and Statistical Sciences, as well as institutes of higher education including Unisa, the University of the Witwatersrand (which hosted the semi-finals), the University of the Free State and the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein, Tshwane University of Technology, the University of Cape Town, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the University of Limpopo.
This year South Africa will be hosting FameLab for the fifth year in a row and on April 19, a panel of three judges will decide who will represent South Africa in the international competition. Whoever wins will share our science on a global platform, but ultimately the winner of FameLab South Africa will be the people of South Africa, because, three minutes at a time, science and society will be brought closer together.