To showcase the talent of some of the future science communicators in our midst, our Education network organized the Engage your Audience! contest to allow early career scientists to present their research in front of their peers during FEMS 2017 last month. Massimo Caine created and hosted the contest, aiming to develop their communication skills, which form a precious asset for the future professional development of all scientists.

Participants came from all over the world, but only 8 finalists were selected to present their scientific research during the Engage your Audience! session at FEMS 2017 in a 3 minute elevator pitch to the audience.

We thank all those who took part in the contest, with special congratulations to the winners of of the Engage your Audience! contest:

Aline Potiron (France) – 1st prize winner

Lavanya Vasudevan (India) – 1st prize winner

Marcelle van der Waals (The Netherlands) – 2nd prize winner

Pandeeswari Jeeva (India) – 3rd prize winner

Watch the prize announcement from the scientific jury in the video below, which consisted of Prof Joanna Verran (FEMS Education Group), Prof Francisca Colom (University of Geneva), Prof Laura Bowater (Microbiology Education and Engagement, University of East Anglia) and Dr James Redfern (Microbiology Education, Manchester Metropolitan University.

We also congratulate the remaining 4 finalists who came to FEMS 2017 to pitch their research and take part in the contest. You can view their original application video by clicking on their names below:

• Noushin Hadadi – Switzerland
• Josep Ruiz Sánchez – Spain
• Anish Bhattacharyya – India
• Bartosz Gerard Gdaniec – Switzerland

As science communication becomes an increasingly important toolkit for science researchers globally, we are delighted to see early career scientists taking to the stage and embracing science communication. Huge thanks to everyone who got involved in the Engage your Audience! contest.