FameLab Australia 2025
Make 2025 the year you gain the skills to make your science research famous!
FameLab is the largest public-facing science communication training program
and competition in the world.
The focus of FameLab Australia is to promote excellence in science communication
for early career STEM researchers through quality training and public speaking skills development.
"FameLab was the best experience of my PhD journey so far."
FameLab finalist 2024
Why participate in FameLab 2025?
FameLab provides an ideal platform for early career researchers to tell a national and international audience about their work. It’s your opportunity to bring fame to your lab, showcase your research, represent your organization, and take your career to the next level by creating a profile as a quality researcher and trained communicator. The skills you’ll learn will assist you in a plethora of activities you’ll likely face in your career, from applying for grants, to public speaking at science events, to igniting the imagination of future scientists with presentations at schools.
The FameLab Australia 2025 winner will once again represent Australia at the FameLab International Final in front of a global audience, and will win a trip to Cheltenham Science Festival 2026.
"I think it’s necessary for a lot of early career researchers because at every step along the way we learn so many new things that will only enrich every scientist’s career. It was a wonderful experience and I recommend everyone gives it a go."
Johannes Debler, FameLab Australia 2024 Winner
Scicomm training to advance your career
FameLab's science communication training is much more than training to help you win the competition and the prize of a trip to the Cheltenham Science Festival in 2026. FameLab aims to provide participants with lifelong communication skills. Along your journey to the final, you'll have in-depth workshops guided by our National Training Partner, you'll enjoy masterclasses from trainers and guest speakers, and be guided in dealing with media and how to be interviewed.
As a finalist, you'll also be accommodated for three days in Perth for intensive workshops covering topics to assist you in all future science communication, like presenting to camera, creating a personal brand on social media, and thinking on your feet to answer unforseen questions.
Ready to take the step up in your scicomm abilities? Apply now.
"FameLab has helped get my name out there and has brought in opportunities I never would have thought possible at this stage in my career."
FameLab finalist 2024
What you'll need to apply
Semi-finalists will be selected using their written applications and the video they submit after the initial science communication workshop.
To successfully complete the application form, you will need the following information:
- An overview / synopsis of your research (200 words)
- A short professional biography (200 words)
- Evidence of research/projects that you have undertaken. You will need to provide links and titles of any relevant sources of evidence. This may include publications, conference titles, conference posters or evidence of internal review from a director/dean/head of your organisation
- The details of a referee who can verify or comment on your research and results. This might be someone who has peer reviewed your work, a supervisor, a director or dean of your institution, or an employer.
The video submitted by applicants who wish to progress to the Semi-finals
will need to comply with the following rules:
- The video must be no longer than three minutes. The content will not be judged after this time limit.
- No editing or special effects are allowed
- No other people are allowed in the video
- Props are encouraged, but shouldn’t be excessive or detract from the presenter
- No background music – unless this is the subject of the presentation
- Videos will be judged according to the FameLab criteria of the three Cs: Content, Clarity and Charisma.
2025 key dates
31 Jan - 23 Mar
Applications open on 30 January and close at 12 midnight on 23 March AWST
April/May
First online scicomm training session for all approved applicants
June
Video submissions deadline, semi-finalists selection, and in-depth scicomm training
30 June - 4 July
Online, regional semi-finals and finalists selection
July
Science communication masterclasses for finalists
August
Media and interview training
16 - 19 September
Scicomm workshops and live FameLab Final in Perth
28 November
FameLab International Final
Need more information?
For FAQ, please see below. For more about FameLab, the competition judging criteria, and the use of props, visit the FameLab page.
If you have a specific question, please contact Wayne Lubbe, FameLab Australia Project Manager, at wlubbe@fwam.com.au or 0424046715.
Application deadline: apply before midnight on 23 March
Don't miss this career enhancing opportunity. Apply here to participate in FameLab 2025.
Terms, conditions and rules
All applicants need to read and agree to the terms, conditions and rules available here.
Need some inspiration?
Want to see how good you could get? Watch our brilliant 2024 finalists!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Citizens and permanent residents of Australia, or international (non-citizen) researchers who can demonstrate a formal affiliation with an Australian institution, who are pursuing studies or working in a scientific field can apply. To qualify, you’ll need to be a student who is currently undertaking MSc or PhD qualifications, or be a postdoctoral fellow or early-career researcher who has received a MSc or PhD degree within the last five years.
Can I apply again if I applied to FameLab in the past?
Yes, if you previously applied to FameLab you can apply again. Only people who have already been finalists are ineligible.
Can I save my application in draft form and come back to work on it again later?
Yes, you will be able to save your application and return to it later to complete it and submit it.
How are semi-finalists selected?
Semi-finalists will be selected on two criteria: their written application and their video submission. The video submission will only be required after attending the first online science communication workshop which will assist applicants to prepare their video presentation.
How will I know if I successfully qualify as an applicant or have been selected for the Semi-finals?
At each stage, all applicants will be notified about whether or not they progress to the next round. FWAM will communicate with applicants using the email address and mobile number they submit in their application form.
Who are the FameLab judges?
FWAM selects judging panels to ensure the highest standards are achieved in FameLab. Panels can consist of a range of experts and personality types, including science communication experts, prominent and highly respected scientists, and journalists and media personalities.
What does the three-night trip to Perth involve?
Finalists will receive free flights, accommodation and meals to attend an intensive science communication workshop, networking events and the live, in-person FameLab Final event.
What is the FameLab Australia winner’s prize?
The 2025 FameLab Australia winner will receive a free trip to the world-renowned Cheltenham Science Festival 2026. The prize will include flights to the UK, tickets to events, accommodation, meals and travel within the UK. The winner will also have the opportunity to network with scientists from around the globe.
Program Partners
