FameLab 2020

FameLab is a live science communication competition that aims to discover charismatic early career scientists who can inspire people to see the world from new perspectives. It is run annually in Australia and in over 25 countries across the world. 

If you think you can explain a scientific concept to a general audience, in just three minutes, FameLab’s the competition for you!

You could become the new face of science, represent your country at the FameLab International final in the UK, and open doors to global opportunities in science communication.

Key dates

  • Applicants must submit a short video and application via famelab.org.au before 24 February.
  • Shortlisted participants from New South Wales will perform live at semi-final events on 8 April at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
  • National finalists will receive expert communication training over two days from a FameLab International UK trainer.
  • The National Final will be on Wednesday 29 April in Western Australia at the State Theatre Centre.
  • The International Final will be held in the United Kingdom in June 2020

Attend a free science communication workshop

Researchers intending to apply to be part of FameLab 2020 are encouraged to participate in a free science communication workshop delivered by science communication experts Dr Merryn McKinnon and Dr Will Grant from the Australian National University Centre for Public Awareness of Science.

In New South Wales the workshop will take place on 14 February in Sydney.

The science communication training is a workshop process based on improvisational theatre games underpinned by the latest research, providing a fun, highly interactive and engaging environment. The emphasis is on participants practicing skills, there and then, with lots of opportunities for advice and feedback based on evidence-based best practice.

After the workshops participants will:

  • Identify the components of a story and apply these to their own story development;
  • Effectively use real world examples and language appropriate to a generalist audience to convey complex scientific information in an engaging manner;
  • Successfully apply strategies and techniques to convey the story or ‘so what’ of their research;
  • Understand and apply appropriate techniques to support their FameLab video submission and media interviews.

Apply to attend the training workshop

The National Training Delivery is a partnership with the Australian National University Centre for Public Awareness of Science. FameLab Australia is produced by the Foundation for the Western Australian Museum with International Partner, the British Council and our National Partner, the Western Australian Museum.