
FameLab SA Winner 2022
The FameLab South Africa Finals were held on the 17 October 2022, ten young scientists showcased research from some of the top academic and research institutes across the country in a way that non-experts can follow along and enjoy. The ten finalists each presented a three-minute talk about their research using props and simple language. The talks shared a glimpse into the lives of young researchers in South Africa and the impact that they hope to have through their studies and work. This year marked the celebration of the 10th season of FameLab in South Africa.
Dr. Latolla a post-graduate researcher at Nelson Mandela University was chosen as FameLab SA 2022 winner during the national leg of the International FameLab science communication competition. His research in phytochemistry focuses on evaluating the safety and efficacy of natural products to treat diabetes. āSA has about 30 000 recorded plant species of which approximately 3 000 have the potential for medicinal use. However, there is a lack in the reported chemistry, safety, and efficacy of these medicinal plants,ā according to Nehemiah. As the national winner, he will represent South Africa in the International FameLab 2022 competition in November 2022.
First runner-up, JohannƩ Marais from the University of the Witwatersrand, seeks to address sleep deprivation due to HIV treatment with her sleep neurophysiology research.
Second runner-up, Onesimo Mtintsilana, also from the University of the Witwatersrand, is a particle physicist and the student representative for the Women in Physics in SA Forum. Mtintsilana is also a tour guide at CERN (European Council for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland where she introduces people to this multinational particle physics research instituteās mission and achievements.Ā
To watch the FameLab SA finale, click here.
About FameLab
FameLab is an international competition designed to engage and entertain by challenging young scientists to communicate their science to a public audience in under 3 minutes. Talks are fun and engaging, making science relevant to everyone, without using jargon or formal presentations. Talks are judged on content, clarity and charisma.
Entrants must be 21 to 35 years of age and currently registered, studying or working in science, technology, engineering or mathematics in South Africa.
Multiple heats take place across the country, hosted by various institutions. Any institutions wishing to host a heat can complete the Expression of Interest (https://bit.ly/FameLab_ExpressionOfInterest). The schedule of heats will be published soon with details of how participants can register.
- Enhance your presentation skills through competition and training by some of the worldās best science communicators.
- Network with scientists from diverse disciplines.
- Be part of the growing community of passionate scientists, from around the world. Get noticed ā put your science on a national and international platform.
- National winner will receive a R5 000.00 cash prize and the chance to represent South African in the FameLab International finals.
- National runners-up will win R2 500.00 cash prize each.
- Semi-finalists will receive science communication masterclass training delivered by world renowned trainers.
- FameLab overview
- FameLab 2022 Semi Finalists
- FameLab Talks 2021 Semi Finalists
- Alumni Booklet
- Geologist, Tshiamo Legoale Wins the FameLab South Africa competition: Taking African Science to the World
- Shining the light on quality scientists
- Pop Idols for scientists
- Selecting the FameLab South Africa winners
- Registration now open for SA's 'Pop Idols of Science'
FameLab Videos
Contact Us

Ms. Lithakazi Masilela
Project Coordinator
famelab@saasta.ac.za