the British Council in Thailand, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, National Science Museum (NSM), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), True Corporation, British Embassy in Bangkok, and partners are launching FameLab Thailand 2021 to find the future science communication star in Thailand who can share their passion for science with charisma in just three minutes. The winner will receive a scholarship and exclusive training valued at 100,000 THB to sharpen their science communication skills and represent Thailand in the international competition. The application is open from now until 3 May 2021. The final competition will take place in August 2021. For more information, please visit www.britishcouncil.or.th/famelab or Facebook fanpage ‘British Council Thailand’.
Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation states “Science and research play a vital role in driving the country and economic growth. This needs to be done collaboratively with all parties. The government supports human capital development, innovation, and adaptation of the university role. We also prioritise practical research to solve social and global challenges. In addition, the researchers themselves are required to have effective science communication skills to present the positive impact of science to the public so its benefits are fully realised.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation promotes science communication skills through several collaborations, making science relevant while inspiring the younger generation to learn more about science subjects. This year, we are pleased to continue our collaboration with the British Council through the organisation of FameLab 2021. This project supports effective science communication by using English and creativity and it also aligns with the ministry’s goal.”
Helga Stellmacher, Director, the British Council in Thailand states “The British Council mission is to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. Together with our strategic partners, we are organising FameLab 2021 providing platforms for researchers and STEM enthusiasts to demonstrate the positive impact of science on society and convey how science can be fun in just three minutes.
The UK is known for world-class research and innovation from the creation of the World Wide Web to Covid-19 vaccines. Our R&D spend of 1.7% of GDP in 2017 is already significant and planned to increase to 2.4% by 2027. The UK is the home of 77 unicorns and is also ranked in the top 5 of the Global Innovation Index. To come up with new discoveries or major innovation is impressive but it is also equally important to be able to communicate that impact to the wider public and society. In the UK, Science Communication is integrated as part of the Public Engagement strategy. This is an area which is continuously evolving but is nevertheless extensive and well-established. Through FameLab, we enable researchers to connect, share knowledge and most importantly bridge the gap between science and society, enhancing equality and diversity in science.”
Piluntanee Panichpat, Manager CSR Communications & Corporate Relations, True Corporation states “As a leading company in telecommunications, technology, and innovation, one of our goals is to provide knowledge and enhance the skills of the youth. We have therefore participated in the FameLab project consecutively for six years. We help promote the project through our channels — TrueVisions, TruePlookpanya, and social media. Last year, we brought in True VROOM to live-broadcast the national competition in Thailand. We hope our channels help bring science to life, engaging with the public and inspiring the youth to enjoy science.”
FameLab Thailand 2021 is open for applications from now until 3 May 2021. The final competition will take place in August 2021. For more information, please visit www.britishcouncil.or.th/famelab or Facebook fanpage ‘British Council Thailand’.
