In an exclusive announcement at Cheltenham Science Festival, arts and culture charity Cheltenham Festivals has today revealed that FameLab, the world’s longest running and furthest-reaching science communication competition and training programme, will continue its 20th anniversary celebrations by heading to new frontiers at CERN Science Gateway in Switzerland.  

In a milestone year for FameLab, the winner from the FameLab UK Final, supported by National Grid Electricity Distribution, will be one of 9 finalists from across the world to take to the stage at CERN to compete in the FameLab International Final live on 25 November 2025.

Originally founded by Cheltenham Festivals and later propelled onto the global stage through its partnership with the British Council, FameLab continues to play a pivotal role in making science engaging, accessible and inclusive. Over two decades, FameLab has expanded from Cheltenham’s historic spa town to more than 40 countries, with notable alumni who have gone on to careers in scientific research, media and public engagement including BBC’s The Sky at Night Presenter Maggie Aderin Pocock and Quantum Physicist Nic Harrigan.

To mark the anniversary, Cheltenham Festivals is thrilled to be collaborating with CERN to bring the Final to Switzerland – while reaching others across the globe with a live-streamed event in November.

“We hope people tune in to see a vibrant celebration that champions the globe's best science communicators, while allowing viewers to learn something new and feel inspired to discover more about science and its impact on our world", continued Thomson.

The 9 international finalists will form part of an alumni and network of over 40,000 participants spanning two decades, marking FameLab’s commitment to nurturing a growing community of leading science communicators, while also inspiring the next generation through its schools-focused programme, FameLab Academy.

“We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s FameLab International Final will take place at The Science Gateway at CERN” said Marieke Navin, Head of Programming at Cheltenham Science Festival “a venue that perfectly embodies the spirit of global scientific discovery. FameLab and Cheltenham Science Festival are all about breaking boundaries and connecting new audiences with science in fun, creative and meaningful ways. We can’t wait to share what’s in store.”

As FameLab marks 20 years, its looking ahead toward an ambitious future. With dreams of reaching every country – and one day even perhaps space – FameLab remains at the cutting edge of science communication with a mission that remains unchanged; making science accessible for everyone.

Find out more information about FameLab and other learning and participation programmes at Cheltenham Festivals here.