World’s longest-running science communication programme marks 20 years of global excellence

FameLab, the world’s longest-running and furthest-reaching science communication competition, kicked off celebrations for its 20th anniversary year by heading to its most exciting frontiers yet – Antarctica.

In its milestone year, FameLab hosted a regional heat on Livingston Island, demonstrating its unparalleled reach. Through Cheltenham Festivals’ partnership with Beautiful Science in Bulgaria, the event – organised in collaboration with SOFIA University’s Department of Education and Civil Science – showcased the competition’s commitment to breaking boundaries. 

Five budding scientists, engineers and researchers took to the stage to explore topics spanning glaciers’ internal temperatures, controversies over cryotechnology, and climate change. Each participant had just three minutes to convey a scientific concept of their choice to the audience and an expert panel of judges. Winner Petar Sapundjiev, an engineer and environmental volunteer, emerged victorious, having best demonstrated FameLab's 3 C's – Content, Clarity and Charisma – to reveal what the chef at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base has in common with Sir Issac Newton.  

Khazana McLaughlin, FameLab UK and International Manager and organiser behind competitions such as the one in Antarctica, reflected on FameLab’s legacy, “FameLab is more than just an inspiring competition, it’s a life-changing experience. Participants gain the skills to transform their passion for science into engaging, dynamic communication that reflects their unique personalities.  

It’s a privilege to play a small role in the journeys of these remarkable individuals as they go on to achieve great things across the globe. I may not be able to cure cancer or make a breakthrough in climate change mitigation, but through FameLab, we provide a platform for those who just might.” 

From Small Town to Global Stage  

Originally founded by Cheltenham Festivals and later propelled onto the global stage through its partnership with the British Council, FameLab plays a pivotal role in making science engaging, accessible and inclusive. 

 

Since its inception in 2005, FameLab has grown to include FameLab Academy and FameLab International, building a worldwide community of scientists and fostering connections across scientific disciplines, cultures and continents.   

For 20 years, the competition has been at the forefront of debunking stereotypes around science by embracing its place within arts and culture. FameLab originated from a need to provide a creative outlet and platform for scientists to communicate complex ideas in engaging and interactive ways.  

It has since expanded from Cheltenham’s historic spa town to include more than 40 countries, with notable alumni who have gone on to careers in scientific research, media and public engagement. 

Nurturing a Growing FameLab Family  

FameLab has nurtured an extraordinary alumni network which includes Maggie Aderin-Pocock, one of FameLab’s earliest participants and now renowned space scientist broadcaster and presenter of BBC’s The Sky at Night; Nic Harrigan, a quantum physicist whose FameLab journey launched a career in global science outreach, and Daniel Olaiya aka Dr Dan, who since competing in 2017’s FameLab UK has become a resident doctor on BAFTA-award winning CBBC show Operation Ouch!

He said, “I first entered FameLab nearly a decade ago, in 2016, in Aberdeen, Scotland. I was in my first job as a medical doctor, with a deep passion for science communication and academic research. I aimed to develop my science communication skills, immerse myself in a community of like-minded people, and learn.  

Today, I’m fortunate to be a presenter on CBBC’s BAFTA Award-winning Operation Ouch!, creator of the theatre show How to Survive in Space!, and a lecturer who has worked alongside the likes of Tim Peake and practicing as an Anaesthetist and Critical Care Doctor in the NHS. The sky is truly the limit if you challenge yourself with FameLab.” 

FameLab’s Alumni reflect the power of science communication to drive science forward. Former participant Marieke Navin is now Head of Programming at Cheltenham Science Festival, one of the world’s leading science festivals.  

"FameLab has transformed science communication in the UK and globally, empowering scientists worldwide to share their passions and research with clarity, confidence and creativity,” she said.  

“Being part of the FameLab family, I’ve experienced first-hand the impact this incredible competition has in breaking down barriers and inspiring new generations. FameLab amplifies our mission to change perceptions around science and show that it's for everyone – it's engaging, entertaining and creative and has a huge influence on our day-to-day lives.  

The 20th anniversary is a celebration of how far we’ve come and an exciting look ahead at where science communication can go next." 

Inspiring the Next Generation  

The impact of FameLab also extends into the classroom, with FameLab Academy celebrating its 10th year in 2025. Inspiring the next generation of science communicators, the programme enables secondary school-aged pupils to explore topics closest to them and develop core skills for their futures, across multiple disciplines such as drama, literature and science.  

By combining performance and research skills with public speaking, FameLab Academy inspires young minds to explore careers in STEM and beyond, bringing together 4000 schoolchildren each year to share their research in front of a live audience.  

As of 2025, over 20,000 young people have benefitted from the programme, thanks to the continued support of EDF. 

The Future of FameLab 

As FameLab marks 20 years, it's looking ahead toward an ambitious future. Ongoing conversations with organisations like NASA hint at a potential expansion beyond Earth. With dreams of reaching every country – and one day even space –  FameLab remains at the cutting edge of science communication with a mission that remains unchanged; making science accessible for everyone. 

To celebrate 20 years, the Cheltenham Science Festival (3-9 June) will reflect on FameLab’s achievements and ambitions for the future in a series of showcase events across the six-day Festival. These events will bring together past winners and alumni for a special anniversary celebration. 

Find out more information about FameLab and other learning and participation programmes at Cheltenham Festivals here.