"World's longest running science communications programme" is 20 years' old
FameLab, the world’s longest running and furthest-reaching science communication competition, kicked off celebrations for its 20th anniversary year by heading to Antarctica.
In its milestone year, FameLab hosted a regional heat on Livingston Island. 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 an audience and 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, said: “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.”
Originally founded by Cheltenham Festivals and later propelled onto the global stage through its partnership with British Council, FameLab continues to play 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 to more than 40 countries, with notable alumni who have gone on to careers in scientific research, media and public engagement.
FameLab has nurtured an extraordinary alumni network which includes include 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! and joined the judging panel for FameLab Academy 2024.
He says: “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. My goal on entering FameLab was simply 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 theatre show How to Survive in Space!, and a lecturer who has worked alongside the likes of Tim Peake at Cheltenham Science Festival, as well as 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 is also a wider reflection of 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. She said: "FameLab has transformed science communication in the UK and globally, empowering scientists worldwide to share their passions and research with clarity, confidence and creativity.
“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."
To celebrate 20 years, 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, bringing together past winners and alumni for a special anniversary celebration.
