FameLab
Share Your Science. Grow Your Career. Enter FameLab.
Are you an early career STEM researcher ready to raise your profile, sharpen your communication skills, and make your research resonate? FameLab could be your launchpad.
What is FameLab?
FameLab is the world’s leading public-facing science communication competition, developed by Cheltenham Festivals (UK) and now active in over 40 countries. Since its launch in 2005, more than 40,000 scientists worldwide have taken part, many going on to influential careers in science communication, media, and leadership.
The Western Australian Museum proudly hosts FameLab Australia, championing excellence in science communication for early career STEM researchers across universities and industry.
This is not a typical science competition.
- Three minutes. One idea.
- No slides. No PowerPoint. No jargon.
- Judged on the 3 Cs: Content, Clarity, Charisma
No slides. No boring. Just brilliant science, told brilliantly.
Who can enter?
Postgraduate STEM researchers, or those within five years of completing their postgraduate degree.
Why FameLab?
- Share your research with national and international audiences
- Represent your organisation
- Build your profile and open new career opportunities
- Compete for a trip to the Cheltenham Science Festival 2027
How to Succeed
FameLab is a rare opportunity to build a powerful profile as a scientist who can communicate with impact. With a potential trip to the Cheltenham Science Festival 2027 on the line, competition is fierce.
Success requires commitment. Participants engage in science communication training, live events, and a live online competition. Most training is delivered online (and recorded where possible), but preparation and practice are essential. A strong internet connection is required for training and semi‑finals.
Finalists must be ready to go further, attending advanced masterclasses and committing to a three‑night trip to Perth to compete live on stage. Confidence, resilience, and the drive to outperform peers are key. Media interest is likely, and finalists should be ready to seize those opportunities.
Have you got what it takes to become Australia’s next rising science communication star?
Have questions? Ready to apply?
Find more information for applicants, FAQ’s and a link to the application form here.
Competition Terms & Conditions
By entering the competition, you agree to the FameLab Australia terms and conditions.
Meet past winners
The FameLab Australia winner for 2025 was Tammy Lee. Tammy, an embryologist, represented the University of Western Australia. Her presentation, titled “A-typical embryo?”, was about her work on how atypical appearances and behaviours of embryos may influence embryo selection in IVF.
Tammy Lee went on to represent Australia in the FameLab International Final and was crowned the World’s Best Science Communicator at the CERN Science Gateway in Geneva!
The FameLab Australia winner for 2024 was Johannes Debler. Johannes, a molecular biologist, represented Curtin University and the Centre for Crop and Disease Management. His presentation, “Lentil soup: now with extra immune system”, was about his work investigating the interactions between fungal diseases of lentils with their host.
The FameLab Australia winner for 2023 was Olivia Carroll. Olivia, an immunologist and microbiologist, represented the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute. Her presentation was titled “Tuning” into Our Hormones to Better Understand Asthma.
Program Partners
