About FameLab
FameLab is the world’s leading public-facing science communication competition and training program, created by Cheltenham Festivals (UK) in 2005. Since 2007, the competition has gone global in over 40 countries, with more than 40,000 scientists participating to date.
FameLab is recognised as being a powerful means to identifying and nurturing new voices in science, with previous alumni embarking on high-profile careers in science communication and the media.
The Foundation for the WA Museum is the producer and country host organisation of FameLab Australia. The focus of FameLab Australia is to promote excellence in science communication for early career STEM researchers in universities and industry. The competition is open to early career STEM researchers currently completing postgraduate studies or within five years of completing their postgraduate degrees.
No ordinary science communication competition
FameLab provides an ideal platform for early career researchers to tell a national and international audience about their work, represent their organisation, and create career opportunities by creating a profile as a quality researcher and trained communicator. And FameLab is more than a competition - the program offers participants extensive science communication training.
All qualified applicants are able to attend a science communication training workshop to help them prepare their first presentation – a 3-minute video submission. The applicants chosen for the semi-finals receive additional science communication training provided by subject matter experts.
The finalists who are selected from the semi-finals receive additional Masterclass training as well as a free, immersive, 3-night science communication experience in Perth where they compete live on stage for the title of Australian FameLab Winner.
The FameLab difference
No slides. No PowerPoint. No boring.
To excel in FameLab, participants are trained to communicate their science research compellingly in just three minutes, and are judged according to the 3 Cs of FameLab: Content, Clarity, and Charisma.
To assist participants to explain their research and captivate a general-public audience, they are able to use any props they can carry onto the stage. Of course, they can also sing if they’d like. Or dance.
Just no slides, and no boring.
FameLab judging critera
The same judging criteria for all FameLab presentations apply globally for all contestants. Content, Clarity and Charisma (the three Cs of FameLab) are central for the identification of quality science communicators. Each contestant has a strict maximum time limit of three minutes for their presentation.
- Content
The content must be scientifically accurate. If the chosen topic has controversy or uncertainty around it, the presentation must acknowledge the opposing views. The content also needs to be presented in a way that is understandable to a non-specialist, general public audience.
- Clarity
Clarity is critical to effective communication. The structure of the presentation is important, as well as the need to ensure that the judges and the audience can follow the talk and are left with a greater understanding of the scientific concepts chosen.
- Charisma
The audience and judges should be left inspired and enthused about science. The presenter needs to present their authentic self and their passion for their topic. The winner will have that hard-to-describe but unmistakable quality of charisma, and will be the person who makes science easy to listen to, entertaining and exciting.
Content, clarity and charisma are topics covered extensively in FameLab training in order to provide participants with relevant and useful skills for the competition and their careers.
How to succeed at FameLab
FameLab provides an ideal platform for early career researchers to tell a national and international audience about their work, represent their organisation, and create career opportunities by creating a profile as a quality researcher and trained communicator. A trip to the Cheltenham Science Festival 2025 is also at stake. So, winning won’t be easy.
FameLab requires a time commitment from all participants to attend science communication training sessions, live events and a live online competition. Where possible, training will be held online and may be recorded to allow for flexibility. FameLab will also require participants to prepare and practice their presentations in order to uphold the professional standards of the competition and to advance to the Final. For training and to compete in the Semi-finals, a strong internet connection will be required.
Finalists will be required to commit additional time and effort, as they will be required to attend additional masterclass training, and a 3-night trip to Perth. Finalists will also need the drive to out-perform their fellow finalists on a stage in front of a live and online audience.
Media outlets may also be interested in interviewing finalists, and participants who reach this round should allow for some flexibility with their time to capitalise on any media opportunities provided by FameLab.
Have you got what it takes to be Australia’s next rising science communication star?
And the winner of FameLab Australia 2024 is Johannes Debler!
Johannes Debler, a molecular biologist representing Curtin University and the Centre for Crop and Disease Management, is the winner of the FameLab Australia 2024 science communication competition. Read on ...
The FameLab Australia 2023 Winner - Olivia Carroll
Olivia Carroll, an immunologist and microbiologist representing the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, is the winner of the FameLab Australia 2023 science communication competition. CSIRO astrometallurgist Dr Matthew Shaw, and Curtin University’s neuroscientist Melissa Papini were named runners-up.
Olivia represented Australia in the FameLab 2023 International Final held on 24 November 2023. The international FameLab Final featured the country winners from Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Switzerland and Thailand.
What is FameLab really like?
Wayne Lubbe, the Foundation's Project Manager for FameLab Australia, shared the 2023 FameLab journey with all participants from start to finish.
Here are his takeaways and biggest "wow" moments.
And the winner of FameLab Australia 2024 is … Johannes Deb...
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FameLab Australia 2024 Finalists Confirmed
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Applications now open for FameLab Australia 2024
Olivia Carroll Wins FameLab Australia 2023
Scotch College student Obi Rogers wins FameLab Academy 2023 ...
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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
