FameLab, the world’s largest science communications programme brought to India by British Council, has received an overwhelming response from West India. With entries from top educational institutions from Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad and Nagpur, 28 participants were shortlisted to compete at the West India finals scheduled on December 16. 
Varun Suresh, a student from NIRRH bagged the first place; Ravina More, student of COEP, Pune bagged the second place and Mayur Bonkile was awarded the third place. 

The regional winners will compete at the India finals later, to be held at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune in January 2017. The India winners will represent the country at the FameLab International Grand Finale at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK in June 2017. 

FameLab aims at presenting scientific concepts in an interesting and innovative manner to the general public. The West India finals saw participation from institutions such as IIT Bombay, IUCAA Pune, IISER Pune, TIFR, University of Mumbai, Pune University, NIRRH, ICT, Symbiosis School of Medical Biosciences, NCCS, NCL, Ruia College, Jai Hind College. The 28 participants participated in an exclusive masterclass, where they received training in science communication from eminent science communicator Prof Iain Stewart from Plymouth University. 

Commenting on the encouraging response from West India, Sharon Memis, director, British Council West India, said, “FameLab is such a fantastic programme that nurtures the discipline of communicating science. There is so much talent and ambition, we know that this will help sharpen the expression of fabulous ideas. With the global experience that FameLab presents, we are delighted to have the opportunity to nurture India’s future.” 

FameLab encourages scientists and STEM workers to inspire and excite new audiences with science. The training and competition format provide a platform to show the public the exciting side of science; enhance their communication and presentation skills; engage with like-minded individuals; and join a unique, international alumni network. 

FameLab works towards encouraging scientists to inspire and excite the public’s imagination with a vision of science in the 21st century. The competition aims to provide a platform for researchers to put forth their ideas to the public in an interesting manner; enhance their communication and presentation skills; and engage with like-minded individuals and alumni network besides. Shortlisted applicants from each region will get an opportunity to attend a fully funded science communication workshop jointly delivered by UK and Indian trainers in each region. The FameLab finalists will also get an opportunity to attend a science communication masterclass lead by the best UK trainers. 

Initiated by Cheltenham Festivals in the UK in 2005, FameLab is now a truly international event, taking place in 27 countries in 2016. For more information, visit https://www.britishcouncil.in/famelab. 

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It aims to promote sharing of knowledge and create understanding between the people of the UK and other countries.