Science Communicators Competition 2025: Nurturing future Bangladeshi scientists

The modern era is shaped by rigorous scientific discoveries that continue to improve the day-to-day lives of people. These groundbreaking technologies often emerge from passionate young minds inspired from an early age.

In keeping with this vision, British Council, in collaboration with the FameLab Academy, organised the Science Communicators Competition 2025, powered by Cheltenham Festivals and BRAC University.

The aim was to empower young learners by offering them a platform to share their ideas, with the top 10 finalists receiving exclusive mentorship from Dr Ken, a globally renowned STEM communication coach. 

TBS Graduates was proud to be the media partner of this initiative, speaking to Dr Ken and several finalists about their journey and experiences.

From classrooms to the centre stage

All participants hailed from British Council partner schools, and what united them was a shared enthusiasm for science and a flair for communication. Dr Ken, commenting on the group, remarked, "The students here speak fantastic English," as he joined them on Friday, 16 May, to begin his mentorship.

Among the finalists was Rabeya Amin from ABC International School, who shared, "I was nervous at the start but everyone was very friendly, and I really loved this environment a lot." Rabeya delivered a speech on artificial intelligence and its uses, and participated in Dr Ken's workshop on 16 and 17 May to refine her presentation for the final round on 24 May.

Fabiya Khan Tahaan, another finalist selected from Kids' Campus, shared her thoughts, "The nervousness was still there, but it did not hit me properly until I got on the stage. I thought my world might collapse, but I still tried to give that speech nicely." Her topic focused on divergent and convergent evolution.

Despite tackling complex scientific phenomena, both students communicated their topics with remarkable clarity and confidence. Their performances showcased the immense talent and enthusiasm these young minds bring to the FameLab Academy platform.

Meet the mentor

Finalists were given the unique opportunity to attend an exclusive workshop conducted by Dr Ken. Speaking to TBS Graduates, he reflected on his unique journey into science communication, a path shaped as much by performance as by academia.

"It was a very circuitous route," Dr Ken mentioned. From university lecture halls to juggling festivals in Hawaii, his journey took off with a spontaneous performance on an open stage at a festival. Encouraged by professional performers, he started appearing in more shows while simultaneously completing his PhD.

His turning point came during a Science Olympiad. "That was my first introduction into science communication," he recalled. A chemistry colleague recognised his unusual blend of performance and scientific insight and encouraged him to explore the field further.

Dr Ken's career has since spanned television appearances, collaborations with researchers, and the development of his own science shows, often incorporating juggling and circus elements. Yet, it was his stint as a part-time teacher that shaped his approach to engaging audiences.

"I needed to understand how teachers think and how pupils think," he explained. He brought his performance skills into the classroom, making every lesson a dynamic and unpredictable experience. "The pupils loved coming to my class. They never knew what was going to happen. And the truth is, neither did I."

Empowering future scientists

Now working globally, Dr Ken has brought his methods to classrooms across countries, from Spain to Bangladesh. As part of FameLab Academy, organised by the British Council, he is helping Bangladeshi students become confident science communicators.

"These are your future scientists," he said. "If just one of them becomes a great science communicator, I'll be more than happy."

His workshops cover both verbal and non-verbal skills. "Within a three-minute talk, you can use the way you pause, props, or change your cadence," he explained. Seeing Bangladeshi students embrace these techniques excites him, "They are gifted. They're already starting to play with performance techniques."

Beyond his work in science education, Dr Ken holds not one, but two Guinness World Records, one for participating in a mass juggling event with over 2,000 people, and another for being part of the largest chess game played within 24 hours.

"Juggling is my job, chess is my hobby," he shared proudly. "And I love doing both."

In all his work, Dr Ken remains a passionate advocate for curiosity, creativity, and effective communication, encouraging the next generation to juggle science with confidence, energy, and joy.