Could you explain your research in three minutes, with no slides? FameLab UK, the science communication competition run by Cheltenham Festivals, is open for 2027 entries. It comes with free training, a chance to perform at Cheltenham Science Festival and a place in a global network of researchers who talk about their work. Applications close on Thursday 14 January 2027.
FameLab finds and trains new voices in science, including the social sciences. Entrants have three minutes to present a topic of their choice to judges and an audience, and are marked on content, clarity and charisma. The 2026 competition had 295 applicants across ten UK regions, and most of those taking part said it boosted their confidence in sharing their research with wider audiences.
For early career researchers it’s a structured, low-cost way to practise the skills that make conference talks, interviews and lightning talks easier, whether or not you make it to the final.
One of our own bloggers has done it. Dr Lindsey Sinclair reached the UK final, and in Courage in Academic Life she writes about why taking part was the thing that would once have frightened her most. This is someone who fell off the stage dressed as a tree in her primary school panto.
Who can enter
FameLab is looking for people who want to talk about their own science, not those already working full time in science communication or promotion. It welcomes:
- Researchers, including those working with existing research or meta-studies
- Postgraduate students in science, social science, technology, engineering or maths (over 21)
- Lecturers in these subjects, including specialist science teachers with a science degree
- People who apply science in industry, business, government or the armed forces
How it works
You apply centrally and choose the regional hub nearest to you. Hubs run training for everyone who applies, then you submit a video entry. Successful applicants go through to a live regional final, and each regional winner goes on to a national masterclass and the UK final at Cheltenham Science Festival. The UK winner represents the country at FameLab International.
The rules are the same at every stage: three minutes, no notes, no slides or recordings, only props you can carry on stage yourself, and a new talk for each round.
Key dates
- Application deadline: Thursday 14 January 2027
- Welcome to the FameLab Family (online launch and training): Thursday 28 January 2027, 6pm
- Regional training, video entries and regional finals: dates set by each regional hub
- UK National Finalists Masterclass Weekend: 29 April to 1 May 2027, Cheltenham
- UK National Final: Friday 11 June 2027, Cheltenham Science Festival
Regional winners’ trips to the two Cheltenham events are funded and organised by the FameLab team.
Getting ready
Three minutes with no slides is less time than it sounds. Pick one idea, find the hook that would make a non-specialist care, and practise out loud. For more on talking to audiences outside the lab, read Science Communication, Reaching Out of the Bubble and why good presentation skills benefit careers and science.
Full details are on the FameLab UK page.
Apply by Thursday 14 January 2027.
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