Tuesday 25 November 2025
Hosted by
Giorgia Francesca Scaramuzzi
Italy
Talk Title: Flashes in the Darkroom: Restoring Blurred Memories
Field of Study: Cognitive Neurosciences and Neuropsychology
Loves: The smell of fresh cinnamon rolls, the winter sea and cozy cafés where I can read, write, or simply get lost in thought.
Not a fan of: Loud, crowded places, rushed routines or shallow small talk.
Describes themself as: Observant, Resilient, Meticulous. I pay close attention to details in my surroundings and people, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Interest and hobbies: I’m drawn to melancholic novels, gripping mysteries and thrilling dramas. I am always exploring ideas, stories, and inspiration beyond the ordinary.
Proudest moment so far: I moved to London during my master’s. I adapted to a new city and developed resilience and collaboration skills. A defining moment that showed I could leave my comfort zone and achieve meaningful results.
Fun Fact: I wake up to the sea stretching beyond my window.
Saein Lee Switzerland
Talk Title: Guardians of the Forest with Poop Power
Field of Study: Behavioural Ecology, Primatology
Loves: I adore all non-human animals. I love collecting natural treasures like pebbles, twigs, and heart-shaped leaves, and I’m always eager to try new things.
Not a fan of: City life as it makes me feel like a Lego block, and having no time to think or reflect after conversations. I prefer flexibility in life over rigid routines.
Describes themself as: Sociable, unconventional, empathetic. Interest and hobbies: I love immersing myself in forests and exploring nature, hiking, sketching wildlife, skydiving, climbing, or diving. I also enjoy crafting nature-inspired stories, which makes Famelab a perfect fit for me.
Proudest moment so far: I was thrilled to publish a drawing book about a young gibbon learning what to eat from family members, inspired by my real observations in Indonesian villages.
Fun Fact: I’m a Ski lift survivor living ski-free in Switzerland my window.
Giorgia Francesca Scaramuzzi
Naomi Weitzel Germany
Talk Title: How Light Brightens: Tiny Particles’ Superpowers
Field of Study: Chemistry and Materials Science
Loves: Animals (so much that I am unable to eat them), the feeling after completing something challenging and a very good cup of decaffeinated coffee.
Not a fan of: Competitive behavior, getting up early and people showing off.
Describes themself as: Curious, persistent and enthusiastic. Interest and hobbies: I love road cycling, reading, outdoor activities and organising science outreach events for children.
Proudest moment so far: One of my greatest achievements is being able to represent the natural sciences and motivate children, especially to study science and chemistry.
Fun Fact: I once hated the mountains, now I love them.
Krystýna Skoupá Czech Republic
Talk Title: Steroids Don’t Belong on Your Plate
Field of Study: Biology
Loves: Dancing, hiking and laughing with my friends. Not a fan of: Cleaning, planning and concentrating on something for more than an hour at a time.
Describes themself as: Smiley, loud and brave.
Interest and hobbies: My eternal question is, am I a scientist or an artist? Because I dance professionally... I love dancing.
Proudest moment so far: At the moment, I am most proud of the fact that I managed to complete my doctorate a few days ago without having to extend my studies.
Fun Fact: “Skoupá” means “closemouthed” in Czech.
Don’t Forget to Vote
Vote for the Audience Winner on SLIDO #FLI25 or scan the QR code.
Kristula-Skoupa
@kristula_skoupa
Naomi-Weitzel
Luther Chipembere
South Africa
Talk Title: Turning Data into Dinner
Field of Study: Economics
Loves: Ice cream, doughnuts, and napping.
Not a fan of: Melted ice cream, stale doughnuts and interrupted naps.
Describes themself as: Creative, curious, and grounded. Interest and hobbies: I have simple joys outside of research: snacking and napping. Both keep me happy, and both are non-negotiable (nothing beats a tub of cookies and cream ice cream before a nap).
Proudest moment so far: Winning the national FameLab competition was a defining moment. It affirmed that even complex research on AI and food security resonates with people when communicated with clarity and purpose. The true power of science is felt when it’s understood.
Fun Fact: I save memes that I’ll never use.
@luther_lgc
Spatika Jayaram
United Kingdom
Talk Title: Why Brains Matter
Field of Study: Neuroscience
Loves: Disney movies and music, pinterest memes that my sister sends me, facts about the brain!
Not a fan of: Dogs, British weather and coffee lids that are not stuck on firmly!
Describes themself as: Witty, anxious and bubbly.
Interest and hobbies: Traveling away from my PhD. Reading books that also take me afar. Listening to and creating music.
Proudest moment so far: Walking by Lake Como and reaching the top of the Mont Blanc within the span of 24 hours, asking for a ‘pint’ at a bar in Spain, which made many heads turn in disdain and convincing three judges that my three minutes of science were even remotely interesting!
Fun Fact: Bangalore is called the silicon valley of India.
Naomi-Weitzel Luther-Chipembere
Spatika-Jayaram
Tammy-D-Lee
@testtubetammy
Natalia-Izdebska
@naukarium
@batteries_wut
@naukarium
Tammy Lee Australia
Talk Title: A-Typical Embryo?
Field of Study: Embryology
Loves: Karaoke, Wicked the Musical and singing Wicked the Musical at karaoke.
Not a fan of: Liquorice, mosquitoes and thinking there’s one more chip in the chip packet but there isn’t.
Describes themself as: Friendly, honest and enthusiastic. Interest and hobbies: Eating good food, classical music and laughing with friends.
Proudest moment so far: I was the interschool athletics champion when I was 10... but those glory days are well and truly over! More recently, I’m proud of being named the FameLab winner of Australia.
Fun Fact: I’m an IVF baby turned IVF scientist.
The FameLab International Final will be hosted live by
Natalia Izdebska Poland
Talk Title: Better Batteries – Built From LEGO Bricks?
Field of Study: Chemistry
Loves: I like when the weather is a little foggy. I really enjoy being on stage and I love my dog (Kaja).
Not a fan of: I do not like brussel sprouts. I am not a fan of staying up late. And I dislike spring (I have allergies). Describes themself as: Goal-oriented, motivated, smiling a lot.
Interest and hobbies: I am such a dog person, I own a small dog named Kaja. I like snowboarding and rock climbing. I am the queen of baking, especially from yeast. I cook really well, and my favourite cuisines are Thai and Oriental.
Proudest moment so far: I am really proud of the develpment of my organisation skills in the last two years. I have become organised in my lab work, in my projects, in my notes. Of course I am proud of my last success –winning FameLab Poland :)
Fun Fact: Siedlce was once home to a royal palace.
Greg Foot and Paola Catapano
@desimusinska
@desivm
Desislava Musinska Bulgaria
Talk Title: Biomimicry: Nature as the Ultimate Inventor
Field of Study: Navigation Management
Loves: I enjoy spending time with the people I love, watching movies and dancing.
Not a fan of: I am not so keen on dry, dull theory. I can’t stand ill-mannered people and people who are egocentric and don’t help others.
Describes themself as: Disciplined, empathetic, positive. Interest and hobbies: I love reading fun facts about nature and expanding my general knowledge. I’m also an emotional person — I connect deeply with poetry and dancing and I’ve been a ballerina since the age of seven.
Proudest moment so far: I’m proud to have graduated top of my class and entered the Naval Academy with the highest score, beating all the boys. At 20, with little experience, I took a risk and competed in FameLab Bulgaria — and I won by stepping out of my comfort zone. Fun Fact: I’m a cadet and I’m studying to become a navigator.
Entertainment by LINACtors
The LINACtors (Live Improv Nerdy Actors) are an improvised comedy performing troupe hosted by the CERN Dramatic Arts Club. They join us for your entertainment to talk nonsense!
Without planning, they will use their creativity and spontaneity to speak on the scientific topics of your choosing.
Culture is... joy, curiosity, connection, inspiration, the future.
Help us realise our vision of a future where everyone can explore and create culture
Please donate to support Cheltenham Festivals’ mission to give 80,000 children access to culture in 2025
Thank you for your support
With thanks to CERN for hosting the final of FameLab International 2025
Hosted by
Cheltenham Festivals cheltenhamfestivals.org/famelab #FameLab @cheltfestivals Charity No. 251765