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By Thapelo Molefe
Science enthusiasts and communication experts will converge on Thursday as FameLab South Africa hosts its national finals at the National Research Foundation in Pretoria.
FameLab is an international science communication and public speaking competition that promotes science and technology by creating a platform for young scientists to find their voices and reach bigger audiences.
According to organisers, the competition will feature 10 exceptional science communicators, who have emerged from a rigorous selection process, showcasing their ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
The finalists, selected from a pool of 16 semi-finalists, will present their three-minute talks on diverse scientific topics, ranging from antibiotic resistance and cosmological discovery to prosthetics and nanotechnology.
According to the organisers, the journey to the finals was “nothing short of remarkable”, with the semi-finalists demonstrating impressive scientific knowledge and communication skills.
The contenders include:
Siphosethu Mgwili, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Walter Sisulu University,
Nadia Olivier, Pharmacology, North-West University
Nonkululeko Malomane, Chemistry, University of South Africa
Tallulah Glasby, Microecology, Stellenbosch University
Havilah Nnadozie, Antibiotic resistance, Rhodes University
Luciano Willemse, Biochemistry, North-West University
Yolanda Mngcongo, Nanotechnology, Nelson Mandela University
Eduard Zehrt, Food science, Stellenbosch University,
Nokuphiwa Madlala, Chemistry, University of South Africa
Luyanda Mazwi, Centre for Astro-Particle Physics (CAPP) at the University of Johannesburg (NITheCS)
Within the context of government’s commitment to science engagement through the Department of Science and Technology’s Science Engagement Framework, FameLab speaks to key strategic aims in developing science communication, and promoting and popularising science for public audiences.
The winner will represent South Africa at the FameLab International competition in the United Kingdom.
The purpose of FameLab is to provide a platform for scientists and researchers to nurture their public speaking skills, especially researchers from historically disadvantaged communities who lack opportunities for public engagement to
develop these skills.
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