FameLab Australia 2025: Meet the Finalists Turning Science into Stories

The FameLab Australia Final will take place at the WA Museum Boola Bardip on 18 September 2025, and the 12 finalists have been selected. Presenting their research across a wide range of science, the finalists will represent leading universities and research organisations from around the country.

Aimed at early-career researchers, FameLab isn’t just a competition. It’s a training ground for Australia’s future science communicators. Participants receive expert research into engaging, accessible stories that connect with the public.

This year’s competition kicked off with four online semi-finals held between 20 June and 3 July. From more than 120 applications and 55 semi-finalists across every state and territory, just 12 finalists have been selected by a panel of expert judges.

These standout science storytellers will now take part in advanced masterclasses in science communication and media training as they prepare to take the stage at the FameLab Australia Final, happening live at WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth on 18 September.

The 2025 finalists include:

Victoria semi-final

Winner: Faris Ruzain

Runners-Up: Sophie Crouch and Aayushi Khillan

Western Australia semi-final

Winner: Tammy Lee

Runners-Up: David Stewart-Yates and Nimllash Thangam

New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, and Tasmania semi-final

Winner: Kenya Fernandes

Runners-Up: Minduli Withana and Riley Easton

Queensland and South Australia semi-final

Winner: Caitlin Dudley

Runners-Up: Anna Antipov and Drew Cylinder

The FameLab Australia 2025 winner will go on to represent the nation at the international. FameLab final in November 2025, joining a global network of more than 40,000 researchers from over 40 countries who have participated in the competition since it began in 2007.

Find out more and book your tickets now.