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FameLab - Talking Science

Logo FameLab Talking Science

Every year, young researchers from all over the world compete in the “FameLab”, a science communication competition initiated by the British Cheltenham Science Festival.

In front of an audience and jury, the participants have three minutes on stage to explain a scientific topic of their choice as convincingly and engagingly as possible. The challenge: to explain the scientific topic in just 3 minutes without any technical aids. Only what can be worn on one’s own body may be used.

Eine junge Frau steht auf einer Bühne, in der rechten Hand hält sie eine Quietscheente, in der linken ein Tablett voll mit Quietscheenten. Im Hinterhrund ist die Aufschrift WissensWerkstadt zu sehen. Foto: Wissenswerkstadt Bielefeld / Sarah Jonek
Ein junger Mann steht auf einer Bühne mit einem Laborkittel, im Hintergrund ist das Logo WissensWerkstadt zu sehen. Foto: Wissenswerkstadt Bielefeld / Sarah Jonek
Eine junge Frau steht mit einem Laborkittel auf der Bühne. In der Brusttasche des Kittels sind eine Hand voll Spaghetti. Foto: Wissenswerkstadt Bielefeld / Sarah Jonek

Dresden is host city for international science competition “FameLab”

FameLab is the international competition for science communication and has been held in Germany every year since 2011. FameLab brings students and early career scientists to the stage in over 20 countries – the motto: “Talking Science”. This year, Dresden is the venue for the East German regional heat, which is organized by DRESDEN-concept and Dresden Marketing.

The participants only have three minutes to explain complex research content to a non-expert audience. They must do without common aids such as charts or PowerPoint presentations. Props that support the scientific stage performance are permitted: anything that can be worn on the body may be used. There are almost no limits to creativity. To convince the jury, you need a presentation that is correct but also easy to understand and, above all, contains the right mix of science and creativity! Want some examples?

Want to be on stage?

Taking part in FameLab offers not only public attention for your research topic, but also valuable experience in science communication, exciting contacts with other committed young scientists and, last but not least, lots of fun!

  • Students and scientists from the fields of social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, psychology or medicine can participate
  • Minimum age: 21 years
  • Three minutes on stage
  • in German or English
  • own research work or freely chosen topic
  • the jury evaluates on the basis of three criteria: The contribution must be correct, easy to understand and inspiring.
  • anything that can be worn on the body is allowed in the presentation – there are no limits to creativity! Power point presentations, on the other hand, are taboo.

Prizes FameLab Germany Regional Heat

For the 1st and 2nd place in the regional heat you get:

  • Prize money: € 300 for the 1st place and € 200 for the 2nd place
  • Participation in a professional media and communication training from Nawik (National Institute for Science Communication) on May 23 to 24, 2025 in Bielefeld
  • Qualification for the FameLab Germany final in Bielefeld on June 24, 2025 including travel and accommodation costs

Prizes FameLab Germany Final

1st prize

  • Qualification for the international FameLab final
  • Voucher for a workshop of your choice at NaWik incl. travel and hotel costs

2nd prize

  • Participation in a national conference for science communication incl. travel and hotel costs