04 Apr 07

Neurobiologist Dr Jan Schnupp of the Department of Physiology beat nine other regional finalists at the busiest heat yet of NESTA FameLab, a national competition to find new voices for science and technology.

He impressed judges Kathy Sykes, Director of Cheltenham Science Festival, Materials scientist Dr Mark Miodownik of King's College London, Channel 4 Deputy Commissioning Editor for Science Tabitha Jackson, and Oxford University chemical engineer Dr. Peter Martin with his witty and enlightening talks on the human brain.

In his first round Dr Schnupp claimed to be able to communicate via invisible waves of energy beamed directly to our brains. Holding up a sealed envelope containing a secret number he announced: 'It's the number 8', going on, when the laughter had subsided, to explain the mysteries of speech and hearing.

In the closely fought final, in front of a public audience that packed Science Oxford's auditorium, he described the research of a colleague whose job is to inflict pain on willing victims. He said: 'The pain in Jane is mainly in the brain'. Under rigorous questioning by the judges, he explained that this research might help with previously untreatable pain like that suffered by amputees.

Dr Schnupp said: 'As a neuroscientist I often come across quite remarkable little facts about the things that go on inside our heads, and I thought it would be fun to share them with the public (who, after all, pay for much of this scientific research through their taxes). The NESTA FameLab seemed like a great opportunity to get involved, and it has proven to be fun as well as useful. It's a great initiative and I hope there will be more like it.'

A total of 46 scientists and engineers competed in the Oxford heat. They had just three minutes to wow the judges and prove they had got the clarity and charisma to bring science alive. All competitors also took part in a one-hour media masterclass with producer and trainer Malcolm Love, including tips on how to be interviewed and when to look at the television camera.

Dr Schnupp will now go on to a residential weekend of intensive media training, and compete in the NESTA FameLab final at the Cheltenham Science Festival on 9 June 2007. The overall winner of the competition will receive £2,000, an internship with Channel 4, and take part in an international tour of events.

NESTA FameLab is run by Cheltenham Science festival, sponsored by NESTA and supported by The Daily Telegraph, Research Councils UK, The British Council and Channel 4.