NITheCS Heat of FameLab 2026 kicks off
NITheCS is proud to host its 2026 FameLab heat, taking place online on 9 and 10 June 2026. The event brings together 34 talented young researchers and science communicators from across South Africa, all competing for the opportunity to represent NITheCS at the FameLab South Africa National Finals and other exciting prizes.
One of the world's leading science communication competitions, FameLab challenges participants to explain complex scientific ideas in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience. The programme helps researchers develop the skills needed to engage the public, policymakers and the media, while showcasing the excitement and relevance of scientific research.
The event begins today, 9 June 2026, with an intensive online training programme designed to equip contestants with the tools and techniques needed to communicate their research effectively. Participants will explore topics such as communicating research to wider audiences, presenting science in an engaging and accessible style, storytelling, public speaking, media engagement, and developing memorable FameLab presentations. The training also includes practical sessions that allow contestants to refine and practise their talks ahead of the competition.
Tomorrow, 10 June, the official NITheCS FameLab heat will take place online. All 34 contestants will present their three-minute talks before a panel of judges, who will assess each presentation according to the FameLab criteria of content, clarity and charisma. Following the initial round, selected contestants will advance to the final stage, where the top science communicators will compete for the title of NITheCS FameLab Champion 2026.
To recognise their excellence in science communication, NITheCS will award the following prizes to the top three contestants:
- First Place: R3,000 Takealot voucher
- Second Place: R2,000 Takealot voucher
- Third Place: R1,000 Takealot voucher
In addition, the overall winner will earn the opportunity to represent NITheCS at the FameLab South Africa National Finals, competing against winners from other institutional and regional heats from across the country. Winners from the national round will advance to the international final later this year.
The NITheCS community is warmly invited to attend the online heat on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, from 09h30. This is an excellent opportunity to support our contestants, discover the exciting research being conducted by young scientists, and witness first-hand how emerging researchers are transforming complex scientific concepts into engaging stories for public audiences.
Click for the Zoom link to watch online
By encouraging researchers to communicate their work clearly, creatively and confidently, FameLab helps bridge the gap between science and society. The competition aligns closely with the NITheCS mission of advancing scientific excellence.
We wish all 34 contestants the very best as they embark on this exciting journey of learning, presenting and inspiring others through science.
May the best science story win!
