Science communication solutions provider, Comm-it, has partnered with the Foundation for the WA Museum to support FameLab Australia 2023, the Australian division of the largest public-facing science communication and training program in the world.
With applications for FameLab Australia 2023 now open, Comm-it has joined forces with the Foundation to provide expert science communication training to FameLab participants throughout the competition and facilitate an immersive 1.5 day science communication workshop for 12 national FameLab finalists in Perth in September 2023.
Emma Donnelly, Founder and Principal of Comm-it, commented, “I am passionate about science and my team specialises in science, technology, engineering, maths and health communications. With decades of experience in science communication in Australia and internationally, we know the skills early career researchers require to cut through in today’s media landscape. I look forward to working with this year’s FameLab Australia participants to supply them with specialist tools they can use to communicate their research in a way that resonates with the public.”
“Comm-it has a track record of working with FameLab Australia and is highly respected in the science communication community. We are pleased to enter into a partnership with the Comm-it.“, said the Foundation for the WA Museum’s CEO, Coralie Bishop. “We look forward to working with Emma to deliver a tailored, invaluable experience for the FameLab Australia participants, which aims to have an ongoing impact on our participants’ future career path.”
FameLab is the world’s leading science communication competition, created by Cheltenham Festivals (UK). Since 2007, the competition has gone global in over 40 countries, with more than 40,000 scientists participating to date. FameLab is recognised as being a powerful means to identifying and nurturing new voices in science, with previous alumni embarking on high-profile careers in science communication and the media.
The Foundation for the Western Australian Museum is the producer and country host organisation of FameLab Australia. The focus of FameLab Australia is to promote excellence in science communication for early career STEM researchers in universities and industry.
The competition is open to early career STEM researchers currently completing postgraduate studies or within five years of completing their postgraduate degrees. A total of 48 scientists will be shortlisted to compete in four regional, online semi-finals. Out of these, 12 finalists will be selected to travel to Perth for the live finals at WA Museum Boola Bardip on 21 September 2023. The Australian FameLab winner will receive the opportunity to represent Australia in the international FameLab final in November 2023. Applicants, semi-finalists and finalists will receive free, specialist science communication training at various points throughout the FameLab 2023 competition.
Comm-it joins current FameLab partners and donors The McCusker Foundation, Curtin University, Murdoch University, the West Australian Museum, the Western Australian Government through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Community Broadcasting Foundation and Forrest Research Foundation.
About Comm-it
Comm-it brings together a community of professionals who are experts in PR, marketing, writing, journalism, education, training, events and strategy – all with expertise in science. Comm-it gives clients access to a consortium of skilled science communication and education professionals who will work together to help clients including the CSIRO, universities, science and research organisations to reach and exceed their business goals.
For more information visit https://www.comm-it.com.au/
