Join us on Friday, 29 November 2024, for the FameLab International Live Final! 

Eight countries—Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland and the United Kingdom—will battle it out on the virtual stage as their national winners compete for the title of World’s Best Science Communicator 2024. Watch it all unfold live on the FameLab YouTube Channel.

FameLab is the world’s leading science communication competition and training programme, showcasing early-career researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Armed with just their wits and a few props, participants will deliver captivating three-minute talks designed to educate, entertain and inspire.  

Be ready to be wowed as this year’s finalists share their passion for STEM. From the mysteries of the brain to the wonders of fungi and the healing power of medicinal plants, you’ll leave feeling enlightened and curious about the world around you.  

Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration of science communication. Scroll to meet the Finalists and Judges...

Plus, get excited as we prepare to celebrate 20 Years of FameLab next year!

Meet the Finalists

Name: Johannes Debler

Country: Australia 

Loves: Cats, Pizza and Googly Eyes  

Not a Fan of:Being in the spotlight, lack of basic problem solving skills, inauthenticity 

Describes themself as: Calm, Collected and Dedicated 

Interest & Hobbies:Wingsuit Skydiving, Building mutant vehicles for festivals 

Proudest moment so far: Being part of the Australian record for Largest Wingsuit Formation Skydive. 

Name: Luboš Brabenec

Country: Czech Republic

Loves: I really like cheese, humour and science.  

Not a Fan of: I’m not so keen on are eggplants, unfairness, and hot weather. 

Describes themself as: Enthusiastic, goofy and shy. 

Interest & Hobbies:In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities. I’m a big fan of movies, I also love hiking, reading especially sci-fi books, and I really enjoy spending time with our cat, Plato. 

Proudest moment so far: Completing my PhD in Neuroscience and winning the national final of the FameLab competition. 

Name: Julian Neugebauer

Country: Germany

Loves: Laughing, eating and debating  

Not a Fan of:Endless documentation in hospital, waiting for the Deutsche Bahn and beetroot 

Describes themself as: Curious, humorous and sometimes stubborn 

Interest & Hobbies: I am interested in everything that has to do with communication. Whether it's reading a good book, having a stimulating conversation or listening to an exciting discussion.  

Proudest moment so far: I am proud to be representing the first person from Bielefeld to represent Germany at the international FameLab finals.  

Name: Francesco Dattilo 

Country: Italy

Loves: I like playing sports, talking with people, and boardgames  

Not a Fan of:Suprise parties, cruise ships, and capitalism 

Describes themself as: Confused, thin, and creative 

Interest & Hobbies:I like climbing, slacklining and reading 

Proudest moment so far: Participate in FameLab 

Name: Marcelina Jureczko  

Country: Poland

Loves: I definitely love chocolate, traveling and exploring new places through long walks, which I greatly enjoy.  

Not a Fan of:I do not like ignorance and intolerance, nor the fact that people exhibiting these traits are often unashamed of them. 

Describes themself as: creative, ambitious and stubborn 

Interest & Hobbies:When I'm not doing research, I'm... popularizing it, which is definitely my hobby! 

Proudest moment so far: I am proud that for my research which earned the Prime Minister's Award for an outstanding doctoral dissertation. 'POP Science' award given at the Silesian Science Festival in recognition of my efforts in science popularization. And winning the Polish edition of FameLab and the opportunity to participate in the international finals.

Name: Sivaniya Subramaniapillai

Country: Switzerland 

Loves: I’m enjoying the vibrant colors of the changing leaves on the trees. I also love exploring various podcasts and have a deep appreciation for Sri Lankan and Indian cuisine, which brings me comfort and connects me to my roots! 

Not a Fan of:I would say lack of consideration for others, tardiness and seeing litter in the environment. 

Describes themself as: Persistent, resourceful, and curious. 

Interest & Hobbies:I love to read essays and books, practise yoga, and go on long walks.  

Proudest moment so far: I founded the Wisdom Exchange Project, a program that connects students with older adults in Canada for friendly conversations. 

Name: Yolanda Mbalentle  

Country: South Africa

Loves: I love singing, reading and engaging with people 

Not a Fan of: I am not so keen on working in disorganized environments, conflict and confrontations and procrastination. 

Describes themself as: Charismatic, Kind and Inquisitive 

Interest & Hobbies: My interest lies in the urge to save people's lives through preventive measures, hence my passion for science communication. I also love cooking as it gives me time to be creative in my home 'lab', which is my kitchen. 

Proudest moment so far: One of the experiences I'm most proud of is winning the FameLab SA science communication competition. 

Name: Joni Wildman  

Country: United Kingdom

Loves: Finding cool fungi, sunsets and learning new things  

Not a Fan of:Hot weather, hayfever and admin 

Describes themself as: Outgoing, compassionate and curious 

Interest & Hobbies:Foraging for mushrooms (and all things fungi!), running outdoors, and doing jigsaw puzzles 

Proudest moment so far: Completing my degree in physics at the University of Cambridge in the face of chronic health problems, self-doubt, and lots of tricky maths 

Meet the Judges

This year’s judges will have the challenging task of choosing two runners up and winner...

The overall winner will be crowned the FameLab International Champion 2024!  

They will also win a trophy, certificate and a Cheltenham Science Festivals experience (inclusive of UK travel, accommodation, free tickets to events and networking opportunity with international scientists, engineers and researchers) in the following June. The two runners up and an audience winner will also receive a trophy and all finalists in the competition will receive a certificate and limited-edition pins.

Special thanks to the team at Still Moving Media who expertly produce this year’s live streamed event to the world from their studio in Cheltenham.