Famelab® Winner SA 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. “SA 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,” according to Nehemiah. As the national winner, he will represent South Africa in the International FameLab 2022 competition in November 2022.

First runner-up, Johanné 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 institute’s mission and achievements. 

To watch the FameLab SA finale, click here.