Nine finalists provided unique insights into the fascinating world of natural sciences—that was the FameLab 2024 final in a nutshell. The culmination of the national competition, held under the patronage of the British Embassy in Prague and attended by the British Ambassador Matt Field, Rector of Charles University Milena Králíčková, and supported by the Minister for Science and Research Marek Ženíšek, could not have chosen a more fitting venue than the Renaissance-era Ball Game Hall at Prague Castle. On the evening of 17 September, around 300 science enthusiasts and representatives from various universities and scientific institutions were present.
British ambassador to Prague Matt Field flanked by Charles University Rector Milena Králíčková and Tereza Štěpánek Chytilová and Jat Dhillon.
“Science is truly beautiful, and there is nothing more beautiful than when an experiment succeeds. Sometimes, in science, you make a small step that may not be a discovery yet, but it points you in the right direction, bringing you closer to a significant breakthrough,” Rector Milena Králíčková said in her opening speech, thanking everyone who contributed to the preparations for the FameLab national round.
And “Action!”
This year's final provided an exciting “battle” of scientific disciplines, such as biology and genetics, neuroplasticity, physics and astronomy, chemistry, and medicine. In just three-minute long presentations, young scientists from Charles University, The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Masaryk University in Brno, Palacký University Olomouc, and the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague showcased the core of their research interests. The witty and original hosting duo of Tereza Štěpánek Chytilová and Jat Dhillon added spark and style to the event.
The evening began with a “warm-up” show. In addition to the light-hearted performance by Klárovo Quartet which set the audience in the mood for a mix of art and science, Eliška Jandová—winner of the 2022 national final and silver medallist at the international final in Cheltenham—returned to the FameLab stage briefly.
The audience and the panel of judges, which included surgeon Barbora East, chemist and science communicator Michael Londesborough, and historian and geographer Jiří Martínek (aka Dr. Vševěd or Dr. Know-it-all), were treated to a variety of stand-up performances by six women and three men. The topics for this year's final were biology and genetics, neuroplasticity, physics and astronomy, chemistry, and medicine.
Everybody won
In FameLab 2024, everyone was a winner, according to the panel of experts. However, rankings still had to be assigned, so the scientific medals went to:
- 1st place: Luboš Brabenec – CEITEC MU, for his presentation "How the brain changes through stimulation"
- 2nd place: Anna Laštovičková – The Faculty of Science of Charles University, for her presentation "Like stars in the sky"
- 3rd place: Eliška Zgarbová – UP at Palacký University of Olomouc, Department of Cell Biology, for her presentation "Farm for intestines"
The audience award went to Andrea Duchoňová – the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at CU, for her presentation "Exercise by prescription."
Anna Laštovičková from the Faculty of Science of Charles University whose presentation clinched her the second spot.
“I really didn’t expect to win the audience favourite award,” Andrea Duchoňová admitted to the university magazine Forum. The energetic young athlete-scientist, visibly moved after the announcement, added: “I don’t know if I’m doing my research right, because apart from one gentleman in the back, no one stood up (Andrea had asked the audience to stand during her performance). At least one person did! I wrote my presentation for the audience. This award won’t change my life, but I’ll definitely make it to the faculty’s Instagram (with a smile). Above all, I hope I can help the world get moving. It’s important to put the knowledge we have about movement into practice, and I want to be part of that driving force.” A PhD student at Charles University, where she studies kinanthropology, she also revealed: “Once I finish my studies, I’d like to become a scientist while continuing to work as a fitness trainer. For me, the intersection of science and practice is extremely important. I’d love to help improve our movement habits compared to the rest of Europe, and my inspiration is Denmark, where the approach to a healthy lifestyle is truly different.”
“Anna, I wish you as many small crystals as possible that reflect well,” her supervisor Michal Mazur, added, congratulating the silver medallist. “The competition was tough. I was curious to see who would win this year. I’m happy with second place, and I’m excited that it will give me the chance to present my research at Czech scientific centres abroad,” said Anna Laštovičková, who, along with the award, also received an invitation to participate with the country’s Czech Centres abroad, part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Supported by Charles University
Since 2022, Charles University has held the licence to organise the competition in the Czech Republic. For Rector Milena Králíčková, who also served as honorary chair of the panel that evening, it is essential that scientists know how to explain what they are researching and how their work benefits society: “That’s why we support opportunities like FameLab at Charles University, which offers finalists a great chance to communicate their knowledge and passion for science clearly. For the general audience, the competition provides an opportunity to learn something new while being entertained, as kind and intelligent humour is an integral part of the contest.”
