The year is 2007 and I am in the middle of my third-year physics exams. Sitting with my revision notes in front of me, I am seriously wondering if the walls could do with a wash. I had hit peak procrastination. This led me to browsing online, where I came across FameLab and took one of the best decisions of my life.
I applied to compete in a new thing – a science communication competition, which was organised by the Cheltenham Science Festival and was promoted (embarrassingly) as the “Science Pop Idol”. After two successful years in the UK, the British Council was now hosting it in 10 countries all over the world – and Greece, my home country, was one of them.
FameLab is an exciting concept – you have three minutes to communicate a scientific topic to a non-expert audience, without using PowerPoint. The idea was the first of many programmes aiming to make science and research more understandable, and even enjoyable. I am aware of Three Minute Thesis, Three Minute Wonder and Dance Your PhD, but I have no doubt there are many more such events.
For the past 20 years, these competitions have been thriving across the globe. They have equipped researchers with the skills and tools to reach audiences, build common ground and speak the same language. They have inspired young talent into science and even created a new sector, from outreach and public engagement professionals to explainers producing easy-to-digest science content and consultants, who double-check the numbers on the blackboards in Young Sherlock.
Perhaps, however, the most important impact of them all is connecting like-minded people around a common goal: improving public understanding of science and building societal trust.
Of course, I did not know all this back then, when I was nervously walking on stage, holding my brother’s baby walker as a prop, ready to dissect Earth and calculate its circumference. Despite my fear of public speaking, I experienced a magical, intoxicating feeling. From researching my topic, to going on stage and talking about something I found interesting in my discipline, I loved the experience and realised that I wanted more of it. Thankfully, I was one of the 10 finalists invited to the masterclass, delivered by Frank Burnet, the first professor of science communication in the UK.
I fully embraced the three “Cs” of FameLab in my studies and then in my work: research your content, so you know that what you are saying is true; refine your message to achieve clarity; and spend time making your content engaging, fun and memorable, trying to achieve the much-sought charisma. I discovered that they have many applications beyond presentation skills. These principles can improve any and all aspects of professional life: from writing a funding bid, to pitching your ideas, reporting your achievements and conquering the fear of public speaking.
I still trace my way of working back to FameLab and its masterclasses. It massively enhanced my career and led me to an unexpected and exciting career path with my physics degree. It also provided me with strong and lasting international networks and friendships. When I decided to relocate to the UK, my FameLab friends were there to offer practical advice and insights that helped me land my roles, initially in outreach and public engagement, and currently in knowledge exchange.
If you would like to experience FameLab for yourself, you are cordially invited to the London FameLab Final taking place in the historic Regent Street Cinema on 16 April. Join us for an evening of inspiration and science communication, and consider applying next year, too!
If you are considering applying, my top tips would be to…
- Choose a topic that you find genuinely interesting
- Decide on one main message and repeat it at the end of your talk as the main takeaway
- Remember that the audience and the judges want you to do well.
Anna Christodoulou is senior knowledge exchange manager at the University of Westminster.
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