One of the highlights of the year is back today: FameLab has announced the dates of this year’s regional heats and it all kicks off next month!

For anyone unaware, FameLab is an international competition to find the best science communicators in the world and nurture a new generation of scientists to engage the public for years to come. FameLab was set up in 2004 by the Cheltenham Science Festival: this year 20 countries will hold national competitions to send winners to the International Final.

FameLab UK will have eight regional heats this autumn: Newcastle, Oxford (x2), Cardiff, Glasgow, London (x2) and Manchester with the National Final held at the Royal Institution in March 2012. Finalists will attend a weekend FameLab Master Class with Professor of Sciences and Society at Bristol University, Kathy Sykes, and experienced trainer, specialising in media & communication skills, Malcolm Love, while as as well as fame, glory and a trip to the International Final, the winner takes home £1000 for himself and £750 for sci-comm activities.

Prizes worth having? Sign up now! All the details, including the dates of the regional heats and how to register are on the FameLab website: heats begin in Newcastle on 8 October, but Londoners have a little more time to prepare: the first heat is 23 November at Kings College. Initially you will be asked to make a three minute presentation to an adult lay audience and anyone over 21 years old and working in or studying science, technology, engineering, medicine or maths is eligible.

For some inspiration, have a look at last year’s UK entry to the International Final: Matt the mathematician with some helpful probability for us on the subject of the winning the National Lottery versus being dead.

Good luck!