The return of FameLab International 2022

Latest exciting news from our partners at Cheltenham Festivals

Six countries across the world will be the first to compete in the new format of FameLab International, gathering on the virtual stage to vie for the title of world’s best science communicator. The online final will take place on 25 November at 10am. The prestigious event will be streamed live on Cheltenham Festivals FameLab YouTube Channel.

What is FameLab?

FameLab is the largest public-facing science communication competition and training programme in the world. FameLab® is a registered trademark of our local charity - Cheltenham Festivals, who created the programme in 2005. During a 15-year partnership with the British Council, FameLab ran in 40 countries across the world bringing together over 40,000 scientists and engineers who were able to engage with international audiences.

Although the partnership with the British Council has come to an end, Cheltenham Festivals is delighted to continue FameLab with international partners Charles University in Prague, Bielefeld Marketing in Germany; Psiquadro scarl Impresa Sociale in Italy, Jive Media Africa, the University of Zurich and The National Science Museum of Thailand.

Early-career researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths will entertain a global online audience with three-minute presentations, armed only with their wits and a few simple props. The result is an engaging and enlightening way to encourage curiosity and expand the public understanding of scientific topics and research.

Forming a select group of international researchers competing for the title of FameLab International champion are:

• Eliška Jandová from the Czech Republic, studying cell free DNA in colorectal cancer
• Christian Scharun from Germany, working on climate research, physics and the emissions of greenhouse gases and their contribution to global warming
• Valentina Vavassori from Italy working in gene therapy and genome editing
• Nehemiah Latolla from South Africa working in phytochemistry and its application in community health and wellbeing
• Natascha Hedrich from Switzerland working in physics
• Nuti Hutasingh from Thailand working in food science and technology

UK public engagement specialist Dr Jamie Gallagher will compere the Final and announce the winners live. During the Final the audience can interact on the live webchat and cast their vote at the end of the competition. Jamie Gallagher said: “It’s going to be a whole selection box of science with every type and topic covered. Some of the best science communicators from around the world will share some amazing, surprising and unbelievable science.”

Head of Programming at Cheltenham Science Festival Dr Marieke Navin commented: “Over the years, FameLab has built trust between scientists, researchers and the public, and has been an incredible stepping-stone for early-career scientists. The international FameLab network has strengthened relationships within the scientific community around the world.”

Judges are: Adrian Fenton from the British Council; Emer Maguire, science communicator and previous FameLab UK Champion; and Katrien Kolenberg, Professor of Science Communication & Outreach, KU Leuven Belgium.

The winner crowned FameLab International Champion 2022 will receive a trophy, certificate and a Cheltenham Science Festivals experience inclusive of UK travel, accommodation, tickets to events and networking opportunities with international scientists, engineers and researchers.

Join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter #FameLabInternational2022

Dates for your diary

The annual Cheltenham Science Festival by Cheltenham Festivals will take place Tuesday 6 – Sunday 11 June 2023, in Imperial Gardens and various venues around Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Science Festival is a celebration of the wonder of everyday science in the world around us. It creates unique experiences by giving audiences access to ground-breaking scientists to debate, discuss and explore.  Discover more - www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science