FameLab South Africa

Turn your young researchers into global science ambassadors

FameLab is the world’s biggest science communication competition — and a proven way to raise the profile of your institution, your researchers, and your research.
This is more than just training. It’s a platform. A stage. A launchpad.

Smiling trainer

Partner with Jive Media Africa to host a heat at your institution, as part of the FameLab competition and discover the next voice of science.

Book a FameLab

Why bring FameLab to your institution?

You get:

  • A fully facilitated science communication workshop for up to 30 researchers
  • A high-profile, media-friendly competition heat hosted at your institution
  • Professional development aligned with CPD points and academic outcomes
  • One of your own, as a FameLab South Africa semi-finalist, and the chance for them to compete on the world stage

Your researchers get:

  • Confidence, clarity, and communication skills they’ll use for life
  • A growing national and international network
  • Access to Jive’s masterclass and mentorship programme
  • The chance for national recognition and international exposure at CERN

How it works:

  • Workshop – We train your researchers in public speaking, storytelling, and science communication
  • FameLab Heat – You host a competition to select your representative
  • Masterclass – Winners are trained further for the national stage
  • Semi-Final & Final – South Africa’s top science communicators are selected
  • International Final – One winner takes SA to the world — this year, to CERN, Switzerland

Trusted by South Africa’s top research institutions

Over the past decade, FameLab has been hosted by leading universities, Centres of Excellence, science councils and research chairs across South Africa. Yours needs to be next!

This season is closed, but from October 2025, you can host a heat as part of the 2025/2026 cycle.
Express your interest here:

Book a FameLab
"Jive Media Africa has been instrumental in helping our emerging researchers communicate their work with clarity and impact. Their professionalism, creativity, and commitment to excellence are evident in every interaction we have them".
“I liked the structure of the course. The beginning was not overwhelming and the activities were achievable in the time given”.
“The course was held online in a way that made it feel natural. I really like that an output is created in a day, instead of training us and then having us spend weeks on it instead of getting to our other work. And I really appreciated how the time was managed and kept to”.
“Very engaging course that adds value to our work”.
“My science communication journey would not have been possible without the training from Jive Media Africa that taught me that the impact of our work is not only measured by its scientific merit but by its influence on society”.

About Us

Jive Media Africa is an award-winning specialist communications agency with a focus on science and research.

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  • Jive Hub, 279 Boddington Estate, Nottingham Road, 3280

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Storytelling for Academics

Turn your research into compelling stories that impact audiences. This bundle covers the power of story in research communications, including how to de-jargonise your writing, and how to structure a narrative for public engagement. You'll also learn to pitch your work to the media, funders, collaborators, and wider audiences.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Media Training
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.  

You will leave this training series with:

  • An understanding of the difference between scientific communications (e.g. papers and conference presentations) and public communication (targeted at a lay-audience)
  • An understanding of how story creates the structure behind many forms of popular communications.
  • An appreciation for what audiences want, and how to shape your work to engage and inspire.
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Getting your name out there

Clarify your unique research offering, increase visibility and amplify your impact with this workshop series designed to help you stand out in your field. Learn to set clear communication goals, craft accessible stories, and master media opportunities that get you noticed and connected.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Media Training
  4. Personal Branding

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • A strategic plan for your science communication and research engagement activities
  • A simple framework for quickly writing compelling popular articles and snippets
  • Confidence for working with the media to achieve your communication goals
  • Knowledge and skills for using digital platforms to grow visibility and impact
Book Now

Pitching for partnerships

Learn the fundamentals of strategic science communication—what you’re asking for, why it matters, and why funders and partners should trust you. Then, master delivering your message with confidence and clarity. This series is designed to help researchers build credibility, inspire action, and make a lasting impression.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Personal Branding
  3. Power Presentations
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs. 

You will leave this training series with:

  • A clear understanding of your strategic goals, key stakeholders for engagement and messages for each stakeholder group
  • A clear articulation of your value offering, your unique selling points and your ask
  • A powerful presentation or pitch and the confidence to deliver it
Book Now

Public speaking for academics

Build your confidence as a communicator with this short public speaking series for researchers. Learn to pitch, present, and handle media interviews while exploring why public engagement matters—and how to do it well, even if the spotlight isn’t your thing.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Media Training
  3. Power Presentations
  4. Perfect Pitch

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • Confidence for delivering public talks about research no matter the context or audience
  • An appreciation of different kinds of public speaking platforms and how to use each to achieve your strategic goals
  • Practical steps and proven techniques to ensure that your speaking opportunities have the desired outcomes and impacts
Book Now

The Art of Research: Full package

Break through with our full research engagement training series. This 6 part, series is designed for researchers and knowledge holders ready to take their work into the public realm. Learn to communicate with clarity, write and speak for public audiences, engage youth, pitch to media, and share your science for real-world impact.

What courses are in this bundle?

  1. Science Communications Strategy
  2. Popular Writing
  3. Personal Branding
  4. Media Training
  5. Perfect pitch
  6. Power presentations

Duration:

Each course in the series will take a day to complete, with 4-6 hours of contact time, to be scheduled according to your needs.

You will leave this training series with:

  • Clarity and confidence to undertake a wide range of public engagement activities
  • Skills for written, spoken and digital communications, through the media and your own channels
  • Growing platforms for ongoing public engagement and communication to support your career and enhance the impact of your knowledge
Book Now