The Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation will again support the science communication competition FameLab in 2024. With the Western Australian Government's support, FameLab applicants receive expert science communication training, and 12 finalists will compete for the title of Australian FameLab winner in Perth in September 2024.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation is responsible for supporting research and development, attracting investment in Western Australian innovation, and creating linkages across government agencies and between industry, research and academic organisations at local, national and international levels.
The Western Australian Government's STEM Skills Strategy, Future jobs, future skills, aims to strengthen STEM culture in the WA community, to reskill the current workforce with STEM skills, and to break down barriers so that everyone has access to STEM.
FameLab is the largest public-facing science communication training program and competition in the world. The focus of FameLab Australia is to promote excellence in science communication for early career STEM researchers in universities and industry. 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 national FameLab Final will be held at the WA Museum Boola Bardip on 26 September, highlighting the museum’s focus on STEM engagement and learning. The final will also provide an opportunity for the STEM community in Perth to come together and celebrate cutting-edge science from across Australia.
As the Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Science, stated during the 2023 FameLab Final, “The FameLab program’s ability to develop communication skills for early career researchers and translate complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives is invaluable. These skills not only contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge but also play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between researchers and the wider community, an important goal of the 10 Year Science and Technology Plan.”
Coralie Bishop, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for the WA Museum commented, “We can’t wait to host the national FameLab Final again right here in Perth. JTSI’s support helps us deliver this impactful science communication training program and competition, which enables early career researchers develop the skills they need to influence and shape our future with their insights and discoveries.”
Tickets to the FameLab Final on 26 September 2024 are available for sale through the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
