FameLab, UK’s biggest search for Science voices launching it’s 11th season.

Cairo: As part of their commitment towards young Egyptian scientists, the British Council and Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) collaborate to bring the Famelab competition to enthusiastic scientists and provide them with the chance to demonstrate their capabilities and win a trip to the UK.

Considered the largest science competition in the world, Famelab is open to anyone aged between 18 and 40 working in or studying technology, engineering, medicine, biology, chemistry, physics or maths.

Historically, the competition attracted Egyptians from 26 governorates, engaging youth and identifying bright minds all over the country, and helping them advance their careers.

Competitors must explain a scientific concept in three minutes, using simple props that they can carry on to a stage. The national winner gets to compete with peers from all around the world at the annual Cheltenham Science festival.

Shaimaa Al Banna, Head of the Science Programme at the British Council said: “ While the competition allows us to stir a conversation around science, it also contributes to the employability for people in STEM. Better understanding of research means better understanding of its wider relevance to society. Relevance builds support and leads to better funding. It also help non-scientists understand how discoveries make communities healthier and lives better”

The competition has attracted many females, whose participation reached 49%. Last year, Egyptian pharmacologist Nada Ali, was the national winner who climbed her way to the finals, in the UK, with her presentation on how bacteria fight back against antibiotics.

Elizabeth White, Country Director of the British Council in Egypt said: “I hope, through Famelab, we can encourage more women to pursue their studies and research in science and engineering and demonstrate that it is no longer unconventional for women to study these subjects.

The deadline to submit the application is 2 November 2019, applications are screened, and successful candidates will be notified by email. They will need to submit their three-minute video between 10 November 2019 and 5 January 2020, the winner will go on to the international final which will take place in the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK.

Last year, after switching to a digital format, the competition attracted over 1600 applicants from 26 governorates, and is expected to reach a wider audience.

The New digital format of FameLab, announced last year, allowed 350 contestants in remote areas to participate in auditions through video submissions, leading youth from Delta to South valley passing through, Luxor, Qena, Assiut, Sohag, North Sinai to share their passion for science with the world.