Here are 3 reasons I hope convince you to sign up to Famelab 2025 (and 2026, and 2027…)
It all started with an email back in January. I’ve always had a passion for science and sharing knowledge, but the idea of stepping into the spotlight as a science communicator felt daunting. However, when I received that email inviting me to explore FameLab, something clicked—I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
1. Invaluable Training in Science Communication
FameLab offers participants training that is invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their science communication skills. From the very beginning, I was immersed in a series of workshops designed to hone essential techniques. These sessions covered vital areas such as body language, managing nerves, and crafting engaging presentations. One of the standout elements was the focus on the "3 C’s": Content, Clarity, and Charisma.
As I absorbed this training, ideas began to flow, and I couldn’t wait to start drafting my video submission. The structured guidance provided by FameLab helped me refine my storytelling techniques and develop a presentation that truly resonated with both judges and audiences. The skills I gained were not just theoretical—they were practical tools that I could immediately apply to make my scientific research more accessible and engaging.
2. Providing an unique Platform & Experience for Public Speaking
FameLab provides a unique platform to showcase your research in a way that is both creative and thrilling. As the competition progressed and after submitting my video, the reality set in—I would need to deliver a talk in front of a live audience, without the aid of a PowerPoint, relying solely on a prop and my communication skills. The challenge was daunting, but the excitement of presenting my research in such a dynamic format was unlike anything I had experienced before.
When the North West final came around, I found myself presenting to a sold-out crowd of over 100 people. Seven speakers from across the region covered diverse topics, from climate change's impact on the NHS to brain connectivity. My talk took the audience through the life span of a person with Parkinson’s disease using real scans of the brain. It was an exhilarating moment when the judges announced it as the winning talk. The opportunity to present my research in such an engaging manner was a true highlight of my academic career.
3. Supportive Community and Networking
One of the most remarkable aspects of FameLab is the sense of community it fosters among participants. Despite being a competition, FameLab creates an environment where competitors become colleagues and friends. This was particularly evident during the two-day workshop for finalists, where we not only received additional training but also had the chance to bond over shared experiences.
The camaraderie extended beyond the workshops, as we attended the Jazz Festival and spent time exploring the Cheltenham Science Festival together. By the time of the final, we weren’t just competitors; we were part of a supportive network that valued collaboration.
The experience culminated in the national final, where I delivered my talk on "Back to the Future of Parkinson’s Disease" to an audience and a panel of world-renowned science communicators. Watch here! While the competition was tough and the nerves high, the supportive atmosphere made it a rewarding experience, regardless of the outcome. The relationships I formed and the support I received from the FameLab team and fellow participants made it clear that this wasn’t just a competition—it was a community.
FameLab offers a rare combination of invaluable training, an exciting and unique platform, and a supportive community that makes it an unparalleled experience for any aspiring science communicator. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, present your research in a new way, or connect with like-minded individuals, FameLab is an opportunity not to be missed. So, if you’re considering applying, my advice is simple: go for it. You won’t regret it.
