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17 March 2026

The new edition of FameLab Italia is set to begin. This renowned international science communication ‘talent show’ returns to Ferrara on 17 April 2026. The initiative, coordinated locally by the University of Ferrara, aims to select young research talents capable of conveying the value of science to society with clarity and charisma.

The challenge: 3 minutes to explain your research

FameLab is an international competition that challenges participants to explain a scientific topic or the results of their own research in just three minutes. The challenge requires excellent communication skills: slides or multimedia presentations are not permitted; participants must rely solely on their own charisma and small props.

The event will take place at the Laboratorio Aperto (formerly Teatro Verdi) from 09.30. The selection process will consist of two stages (pre-selection and final) held on the same morning, requiring candidates to prepare two separate speeches.

Target audience and requirements

The call is aimed at individuals working in the fields of research and innovation who do not work professionally in the field of communication:

• young researchers 

• PhD students, postgraduate students and research fellows

• holders of a second-level master’s degree

• aged under 35

Rewards and training opportunities

Taking part in FameLab Ferrara is not just a competition, but a journey of professional development:

• Training: contestants will have access to free mini-masterclasses designed to hone their public speaking skills. The top two finishers from the Ferrara selection will also take part in the National Masterclass with international expert Wendy Sadler from Science Made Simple

• Rewards: Free cinema tickets to be used at cinemas in the Notorious Cinemas network

• International opportunity: the top two winners of the local selection will progress to the national final. The Italian winner will have the opportunity to compete in the international final organised by the Cheltenham Science Festival.

How to take part

Registration is now open. Full details, the rules and the entry form are available on the official website: famelab-italy.it/famelab-ferrara/

For further information, please contact the Unife Third Mission Office at: terzamissione@unife.it.