The world’s largest science communication competition FameLab comes to Cork

The world’s largest science communication competition – FameLab – is holding its Cork regional heat in the Triskel Arts Centre on Wednesday 25 January 2017. The competition allows contestants just 3 minutes to communicate a quirky scientific story or theory on stage in front of a live audience, and a panel of judges. The winner and runner up of Famelab Cork will go through to the national final in Dublin.

“Famelab is held annually in over 25 countries across the globe. This is the fourth year of Famelab Cork and it has been a huge success with 3 out of 4 winners from Cork going on to represent Ireland at the international final – including last year’s winner, Niamh Kavanagh. Famelab is a real opportunity for people to experience science in a fun, interactive and engaging way – past subjects ranged from cryogenic frogs to underground firefighting. It is also possible for contestants to enter a video online if they are unable to attend on the night,” said Dr Simon Elliott, Tyndall National Institute.

The winner of Famelab Cork will go through to the national final on 13 April 2017, along with the winners of the Famelab Limerick, Dublin and Galway heats. The overall winner will then go on to represent Ireland at international competition held during The Times Cheltenham Science Festival in June 2017. Famelab Cork finalist, Fergus McAuliffe won the international competition for Ireland in 2013 and has since become well known in Ireland through his Weird Science slots on TV.

“This year Famelab Cork will also feature a very special interval act, with a performance from rapper Jon Chase on the Science of Star Wars. It promises to be a great night of entertainment for family and friends. The competition is open to the public and free to attend – tickets can be booked online in advance or alternatively on the door on the night.” he added.

Famelab Cork is a partnership between Tyndall National Institute, the APC Microbiome Institute, INFANT, IPIC and MaREI. Famelab is organised by the British Council in Ireland, with generous support from Science Foundation Ireland Discover, CPL and Henkel.

The winner of Famelab Cork will be decided by a panel of judges made up of TV science presenter, producer and researcher, Kathriona Devereux; Consultant Neonatologist at Cork University Maternity Hospital, Prof. Gene Dempsey and Office Manager for Qualcomm Cork, Ms Leonie O’Connell.

Tickets are available online by searching for ‘Famelab Cork’ on Eventbrite.ie. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7 pm start on Wednesday 25 January 2017 at Triskel Christchurch on Tobin Street.