FameLab 2008

Find out who the finalist are    

The auditions for the Austrian FameLab competition were held in Graz, Linz and Vienna. Participants presented two scientific topics to the panel of judges each lasting no longer than three minutes.

Listen to the audiofiles recorded by the finalists during the masterclass. The judges awarded the Ö1-audio prize for the best recording at the final. Find out about the winners.

The 10 finalists:

Dr. Anton Fuchs       

Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), Institute for Electrical Measurement
During the audition (Graz) he explained in a very captivating way why "humidity in walls can have just as spectacularly devastating an impact as hurricanes". He is taking part in FameLab because he hopes to raise the public profile of his field of study and enlarge his professional network. Presentation at the final: Cryogenic fluids – Measuring values close to zero point
View video (wmv)

Mag. Daniel Steiner       

Joanneum Research
At the audition (Graz) he presented a new tool which can help to carry out Austrian climate security measures in the most efficient way. By taking part in the FameLab competition he hopes to raise public awareness for his area of research. Presentation at the final: National compensation projects – an economic response to climate change.
View video (wmv)

Dr. Hubert Zangl       

Graz University of Technology (TU Graz)
At the audition (Graz) he impressed the jury with his expertise about 'capacitive sensors' which he demonstrated in an enthralling presentation. To him FameLab is an ideal chance to help disseminate information about capacitive measurement technology to the general public. Presentation at the final: Measurement uncertainty - Knowing what one doesn't know.
View video (wmv)

Dr. Michaela Schwarzenbacher       

Johannes Kepler University (JKU), Institute of Biophysics
At the audition (Linz) she convinced the audience with thrilling insights into the world of single molecule microscopy. By taking part in FameLab she is hoping to have the opportunity for professional exchanges with other participants. Presentation at the final: VIPs of the immune system.
View video (wmv)

DI (FH) Gerald Madlmayr        Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences - Campus Hagenberg
At the audition (Linz) he used a prototype of the near field communication technology to demonstrate new opportunities for contactless data transfer. His reasons for taking part in FameLab are making use of networking opportunities and improving his presentation skills. Presentation at the final: Coincidence is intentional.
View video (wmv)   

Dr. Philipp Mayer        Johann Radon Institute for Computational and Applied Mathematics (RICAM)
During the audition (Linz) he demonstrated successfully how captivating insights into the world of financial mathematics can be. He had heard about FameLab from acquaintances. His interest in communicating to a non-scientific audience made him take part in the competition. Presentation at the final: About cash cows and their effects on financial markets.
View video (wmv)   

Dr. Katrien Kolenberg        University of Vienna, Institute of Astronomy
During the audition (Vienna) she introduced the audience to stellar music and a method to discover new galaxies. Her deep interest in communicating scientific issues led her to take part in FameLab. She is looking forward to exchanging experiences with the other participants. Presentation at the final: Are we alone?
View video (wmv)   

Dr. Jolanta Siller-Matula       

Medical University Vienna, Department of Clinical Pharmacology
At the audition (Vienna) she impressed the audience with a clearly structured presentation on the development of tailor-made medications. She is taking part in FameLab because she hopes to increase public understanding for her field of expertise. Presentation at the final: The immortality enzym.
Video anschauen (wmv)

Dr. Georg Steinhauser       

Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna)
At the audition (Vienna) he winningly illustrated his latest test results on the diet of carnivorous plants. He enjoys giving scientific talks and learned of FameLab at the Beautiful Science debate earlier this year. His aim is to surprise the audience at the competition. He is also interested in coaching and networking with the other participants. Presentation at the final: Tool Time for Tutenchamun.
View video (wmv)

DI Bernhard Weingartner       

Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna)
At the audition (Vienna) he used a string bass to solve the mystery surrounding "singing sand dunes". Friends alerted him to FameLab. Making people aware of complex processes in their daily lives and explaining phenomena in simple words - these are the things he takes great pleasure in. Presentation at the final: Is there order within chaos?
View video (wmv)

Qualified for the final, but unable to attend:

DI Daniel Primetzhofer   

Johannes Kepler University (JKU), Department of Atomic Physics and Surface Science
At the audition (Linz) he impressed the judges with a presentation which depicted ions diving for a treasure in a lake.

Laurent Millischer, BSc   
University of Cambridge
At the audition (Vienna) he illustrated how scientists at CERN in Geneva are trying to find the god particle: by accelerating protons to jet speed. He loves talking about his area of research: theoretical particle physics. To him FameLab presents an opportunity to establish additional contacts in Austria.