Welcome from FameLab® and Cheltenham Festivals

Cheltenham Festivals is excited that you have decided to Host FameLab in your country. We see our role as equipping and supporting you to run a successful project and implement the competition, using the insights drawn from our experience to develop the next generation of science communicators around the world. With our successful track record in facilitating FameLab around the world, you can be confident that your partnership with Cheltenham Festivals’ FameLab will provide you with a proven resource as well as a valued reputation.

Whilst there are non negotiables in ensuring the quality of FameLab is consistent around the world, it is important to us that every country gets the benefits they are looking for. That is why we want to work in collaboration with you to create a model that works for you and your country within the guidance set out in this handbook.

The elements that are essential – quality, networking, training, the importance of follow-up, and the judging criteria of content, clarity and charisma – are outlined within this document. Other elements may need to vary in different settings.

What we ask is that you work with us to find the best way to achieve the same goals – building a network of confident, skilled, inspiring communicators who can bring quality science and engineering to the public. Consult us early, involve us in your planning and talk to us about your progress so that we can work together to achieve these goals.

Cheltenham Festivals’ FameLab wants to be associated with the best, so we’re confident that together we can make FameLab® International a great success within your country and throughout the world.

We look forward to working with you.

Marieke Navin, Cheltenham Science Festival Head of Programming

Sarah Cooksley, Head of Learning and Participation

Khazana Rasool-McLaughlin, FameLab Co-ordinator