My FameLab Journey – Dr Hazel McPhillips
Founded by the Cheltenham Festival in 2005, FameLab is the world’s largest science communication competition. Participants are challenged to deliver a three-minute presentation on a scientific topic to a non-specialist audience, using only the props they can carry onto the stage. Slides and digital media are not permitted, and presentations are judged on three key criteria: content, clarity and charisma, the three Cs.
“I saw the email about video submissions for the opportunity to compete in the Scottish leg of FameLab and initially dismissed this as something I couldn’t do. However, never one to shy away from a challenge, I decided to enter. In all honesty, once I had submitted the video, I had forgotten about entering, so I was astounded when I received an email advising that I had won a place in the Scottish final.
The Scottish finals were held at the National Museum of Scotland. I presented on the concept of colour identification and the toolkit ‘What Colour Is It?’ that I co-developed. I was more than slightly shocked when, after the judges stated that the winner had received full marks across all three Cs, my name was announced. I had not even imagined when I submitted the video that I would get to the Scottish final, let alone win it.
The next step was a masterclass weekend, then the UK finals at Cheltenham Science Festival. Unfortunately, I had to attend the masterclass online. However, the team from Cheltenham Science could not have been more accommodating, and the other finalist took such care to make me feel included. I learned so much from the workshops, and there was a lively WhatsApp group chat keeping everyone connected.
I was apprehensive about arriving for the finals; I had not met anyone in person, and I felt like a bit of an imposter. I am the first nurse to get to this stage, and I was worried that I may be judged for not being a traditional science communicator. However, these fears were quickly dispelled as everyone there was so warm and welcoming.
The night of the final, I entered the competition tent dressed in a full Plage Dr costume and a jar of fake leeches. Imposter syndrome was in full force, but once on stage sharing the medical properties of leeches, the training and advice kicked in, and it felt wonderful as the audience engaged positively with me. I was absolutely over the moon to place as a runner-up, but the experience turned out to be about much more than competition
The whole experience has rekindled my passion for science communication and helped me refine my public engagement and presentation skills. I have learned that removing jargon doesn’t mean removing complexity; it means making content accessible. I have also learned that authenticity is key. I have been able to network with the most incredible people who continue to support and advise me and have made some wonderful new friends. I would recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to enter this amazing competition should grab it with both hands.”
Written by: Dr Hazel McPhillips