20/08/2026
Dear Postgraduate Students, Emerging Researchers, Postdoctoral Fellows, Researchers, Academics and Members of the TUT Community,
The Directorate of Research and Innovation is pleased to invite eligible members of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) community to participate in FameLab South Africa 2026, a prestigious international science communication competition that challenges participants to explain their research or scientific ideas to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.
FameLab SA: Three Minutes. A Lifetime of Impact
A FameLab presentation lasts only three minutes, but the skills gained through the experience can have a lasting impact on your academic and professional journey. Participants develop valuable science communication, public speaking, and presentation skills while showcasing the significance and societal impact of their research.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be between 21 and 35 years of age.
Be a postgraduate student, emerging researcher, postdoctoral fellow, researcher, academic, or science enthusiast involved in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health sciences, or related fields.
TUT FameLab Workshop and Institutional Heat
Tshwane University of Technology will host an online FameLab Training Workshop and Institutional Heat Competition, where participants will receive coaching on science communication and compete for an opportunity to progress to the national stages of the competition.
Important Dates
Application Closing Date: 23 August 2026
Online FameLab Training Workshop: 24 August 2026 (online)
TUT Institutional Heat Competition: 25 August 2026 (online)
Registration
Interested participants are encouraged to register by completing the online application form on the poster by clicking on the link or QR code
National FameLab South Africa 2026 Timeline
Institutional Heats: August 2026
Online Masterclasses: 8–10 September 2026
Online Semi-final: 22 September 2026
National Final: 5 October 2026 (Live and In-Person)
Why Participate?
Participating in FameLab South Africa offers an opportunity to:
Strengthen your science communication and public speaking skills.
Increase the visibility and impact of your research.
Network with researchers from across South Africa.
Gain valuable presentation coaching and mentorship.
Represent TUT on a national platform.
Compete for the opportunity to represent South Africa at the international FameLab finals.
Please find the attached promotional poster for further information and registration details.
For all enquiries, please contact Dr Tshepo Lechaba at [email protected] or (012) 382 4728.
We look forward to hearing the innovative and inspiring research stories being developed across TUT.
