What is FameLab?
Founded by Cheltenham Festivals in 2005, FameLab has grown into the world’s leading competition and training programme for science communication.
A registered trademark of Cheltenham Festivals, FameLab is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the most exciting new voices in science—including the social sciences—as well as technology and engineering. It’s all about making complex ideas accessible, engaging, and inspiring.
How It Works
Participants have just three minutes to present a scientific concept of their choice to a live audience and a panel of expert judges. The challenge? To impress using FameLab’s signature 3 Cs:
- Content – Is the science accurate and well-explained?
- Clarity – Is the message clear and easy to follow?
- Charisma – Is the delivery engaging and memorable?
FameLab has been hosted in over 30 countries, in collaboration with more than 200 partner organisations. This vibrant international network has connected over 40,000 scientists and engineers, empowering them to share their knowledge with audiences around the world.
FameLab UK is a national science communication competition that showcases the brightest new voices in science. Finalists from across the country compete for the title of the UK’s best science communicator—and the chance to represent the UK on the global stage at FameLab International.
FameLab UK East Midlands Regional Hub
The University of Lincoln is proud to be part of the East Midlands Hub for FameLab UK. This regional hub brings together four leading institutions:
- University of Nottingham
- University of Leicester
- Nottingham Trent University
- University of Lincoln
Together, we support and celebrate emerging science communicators across the East Midlands, helping them share their passion for science with wider audiences.
We welcome
- Lecturers in Science–including social sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics or subjects, including specialist science teachers with a science degree
- Researchers– who use existing research or meta-studies – they don’t have to be getting their hands dirty
- People who apply Science– including social sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics – for example, patent clerks, statisticians, computer technicians, consultants to industry
- Postgraduate researchers– of science including social sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics (over 21)
- People who apply Science in the armed forces or goverment bodies– including social sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics
- People who apply Science in industry or business– including social sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics
Why take part?
FameLab alumni have gone on to:
- Host science shows and podcasts.
- Work in science policy and outreach.
- Become TEDx speakers and media contributors.
- Publishing books
- And so much more!
Personal Development:
- Boost your confidence in public speaking.
- Develop communication skills with expert training
- Network with other passionate researchers and science communicators around the UK.
- Perform live at the Cheltenham Science Festival. (all expenses paid for)
- The UK winner represents the country at the FameLab International Final. The 2025 winner present their talk live in Switzerland (all expenses paid for)
Notable FameLab Alumni Examples
Natascha Hedrich (Switzerland)
- Transitioned from quantum sensing research to science outreach.
- Helped develop the world’s first atomic physics exhibit showing single atoms to the naked eye
Kareem Helmee (Egypt)
- FameLab alumnus who became a science communication trainer.
- Works across Egypt and internationally to promote STEM education
Daniel Olaiya (UK Finalist)
- Now known as Dr Dan on CBBC’s Operation Ouch!, a BAFTA-winning science show for children.
- Developed a theatre show called How to Survive in Space!
- Works as an anaesthetist and aerospace medicine researcher, combining science with public outreach
One of the most amazing experiences of my academic life so far!
As part of the prize for winning the regional finals the Cheltenham Science Festival pay for an all-expenses paid Masterclass weekend in Cheltenham. Throughout the weekend we received training and support from former Famelab winners, other science communicators and media training. The training and support you receive as a Famelab finalist is world class and the whole experience will inform how I present and teach my research in the future.
For further information, please email The Doctoral School at doctoralschool@lincoln.ac.uk or contact us using one of the platforms below
All Photos taken by Still Moving Media for Cheltenham Festivals