Want to learn more about the media?
Are you interested in communicating your science to the media? Take a look below at details of the communications training opportunities available.
Current Opportunities
Standing up for Science Workshop: Friday 15th March, University of Manchester
Sense about Science is organising a FREE media training workshop for all early-career researchers in the sciences, engineering and medicine (PhD students, post-doctoral researchers and equivalent in first job).
The workshop will combine discussion about science-related controversies in media reporting with practical guidance and tips for how to deal with the media. Please find further information at http://www.senseaboutscience.org/data/files/VoYS/Manchester_VoYS_workshop_flyer_2013.pdf.
These workshops are very popular and places are limited. To apply send a CV and cover letter explaining your reasons for applying to Victoria Murphy.
Closing date for applications: 1st March
British Science Association Media Fellowships
Closing date for applications: 11th March 2013
Media training
The Royal Society
The Royal Society runs one day communication skills courses and one day media training courses designed exclusively for scientists. The communication skills course equips scientists with the ability to communicate their work on a non-technical level, clearly and confidently to a wide range of audiences. The media training course focuses specifically on developing the skills needed when communicating with the media. A hands-on approach, including a real film crew, takes scientists with a basic knowledge of the media and enhances their skill and confidence in preparing for radio and television interviews and in approaching the print media with news stories and features.
NERC
NERC students and NERC-funded researchers are eligible for free training in science communication skills. NERC’s two day courses are run several times a year and cover working with print and broadcast media, as well as working more directly with the public.
For more information, visit NERC.
NERC has also produced a guide on how to tell the non-specialist about your research – Engaging the Public with Your Research.
BBSRC
BBSRC offers tailor-made courses for its grantholders, and uses experienced radio and print journalists to introduce scientists to how the media works. For more information click visit the BBSRC website.
Science Media Centre
The Science Media Centre runs regular ‘Introduction to the media’ events. These are usually advertised to BES members via the e-Bulletin, but for more information, visit the SMC.
Alpha Galileo
AlphaGalileo, the research news service, runs practical workshops on using the media for effective research communication and shows how academic organisations can improve their public profile. More information from AlphaGalileo.
Other media training courses
The British Science Association lists several other media training course providers. For more information visit the BSA website.
Fellowships and Internships
British Science Association Media Fellowships
The British Science Assoication run a Media Fellowship scheme designed to give science researchers (at PhD level and up) the opportunity to spend 3 – 8 weeks working with a national journalist at media organisations such as the BBC, Guardian or Nature. The scheme offers an excellent chance to gain experience in writing about scientific developments, improve communication skills and develop confidence working with the media.
Find further information and details of how to apply.
Closing date: 11th March 2013
Richard Casement Internship
Aimed at discovering writing talent in science students, this internship offers under-25s the chance to spend three months of the summer on the newspaper, writing about science and technology. Applications usually close in the last week of February. For more details email: casement@economist.com.
Science writing & science communication awards
Society of Biology Science Communication Awards
BES member Professor Dave Goulson of Stirling University was runner up in the Science Communication Awards in 2006. If you are a BES member and would like the BES to consider nominating you for the award, contact Becky Allen, BES Press Officer.
You can get further information from the Society of Biology.