From cosmic rays to the proteins of the future: these are the topics that took center stage at FameLab Trieste 2026, the international science communication talent competition. Winning the local selection, held on April 23 in a packed Teatro Miela, were Pietro Monti-Guarnieri and Roberta Pratolini, who will advance to the national final of FameLab Italia.

The event was organized by Immaginario Scientifico, in collaboration with the University of Trieste, the University of Udine, SISSA, and the Municipality of Trieste, as part of the “Trieste City of Knowledge” protocol.

In just three minutes, the 18 contestants transformed complex topics into accessible and engaging stories, demonstrating how science can be clear, surprising, and even entertaining. Hosting the evening was Simone Kodermaz, a physicist, violinist, and winner of the first Trieste edition in 2013.

This year’s first-place winner, Pietro Monti-Guarnieri, is a PhD student in astroparticle physics at the University of Trieste and INFN Trieste. Enthusiasm, humor, and high energy define Pietro, who presented the effects and applications of cosmic ray physics in an unusual and captivating way, from climate processes and the “creation” of clouds to muon tomography.

Second place went to Roberta Pratolini, a PhD student at the University of Udine, who clearly and playfully explored the frontiers of food science, including hybrid proteins and… a raspberry cake.

The two winners will represent Trieste at the national final scheduled for the autumn. The Italian champion will then move on to the international FameLab final in November, competing against participants from around the world.

Third place and the audience award went to Smritirekha Talukdar (Area Science Park), who combined neuroscience and sustainable energy in a brilliant presentation on neuroplasticity and possible alternatives to fossil fuels.

The contestants were evaluated by a jury composed of Nicola Bressi (Civic Museum of Natural History of Trieste), Vieri Candelise (University of Trieste), Giulia Casasole (SISSA), and Valeria Filì (University of Udine).