Today, the British Council Bangladesh organised the National Gala round of Famelab at their Dhaka University campus office. In association with First Security Islami Bank Limited, ICT division – Govt. of People's Republic of Bangladesh and Times Cheltenham Science Festival, for the first time the British Council Bangladesh has brought the stage of FameLab to give the Bangladeshi science enthusiasts an international platform to showcase themselves.
FameLab is the world's leading science communication competition. It is designed to inspire, motivate and develop scientists and engineers to actively engage with public and stakeholders. Science enthusiasts from different backgrounds present their science talks in front of judges and audiences within 3 minutes period.
In the first phase, total 158 applicants registered from all over Bangladesh. As the second phase, the national heats started on 18 March 2018. After a tough competition, the Judges selected 12 national finalists. The finalists came out as FameLabbers to face the final phase of challenge at the National Gala around.
In the third phase these 12 finalists attended a two days long Masterclass on 31 March and 1 April 2018 mentored by renowned Scientist and Adventurer Huw James. It was an interactive session where Huw James groomed the FameLabbers how to present themselves more effectively and uniquely in front of judges and audiences. “The Bangladeshi participants are filled with passion and excitement about Science and the wider STEM subjects. Their ability to capture an audience and inform them on a subject in 3 minutes should make Bangladesh a worthy inclusion on the FameLab World Stage!”- said Huw while sharing his experience of the Master Class session.
The event opened with the nerve wrecking performance of 12 finalists. They showcased presentation skills in front of judges, invited guests and other audiences. After their performances, Faye Nicholls, Teaching Centre Manager, British Council gave her welcome speech. The Managing Director of First Security Islami Bank Ltd., Syed Waseque Md Ali gave his speech regarding FameLab and their interest in partnering with such projects. Followed by his speech, other partners also shared their view on this regard. Finally, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister, Ministry of Post, Telecommunications & Information Technology gave his speech as the Chief Guest of the event. The finalists attended the event along with their parents and friends. Respective institution heads of the finalists were also invited to show their support.
“It is an exhilarating experience and immense pleasure because FameLab gave me the opportunity to witness some of the brightest minds of our country.” – Said Ms. Humaira Akhter, Professor and Chairman, Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, one of the honourable judges.
Mr. Alvee Islam of North South University won the ticket to Cheltenham Festival to perform in the international final of FameLab. The event was closed with the prize giving ceremony.