Want to learn more about the media?
Current Opportunity
*Closing date: 24 October 2008*
Sense about Science: Standing up for Science Media Training Workshop, Edinburgh 21 November
To all early-career researchers in the biological sciences:
Are you passionate about your research?
- Do you think it is important for good science and evidence to be
communicated to a wider audience?
- What can you do about misconceptions and misinformation about
science?
Science in the media: What happens when research announcements go wrong; statistics are
manipulated; risk factors are distorted; or discussions become polarised?
Speakers: Professor John Atkinson, Associate Dean Research & Commercialisation, School of Health Nursing and Midwifery, University of The West of Scotland; Dr Dave Reay, Lecturer in Carbon Management, University of Edinburgh; Dr Debbie Wake, Clinician in Endocrinology, Diabetes and General Medicine, NHS Lothian; Dr Shaun Treweek, Health Services researcher, Dundee University.
What journalists are looking for: How do journalists approach stories? Balance the need for news and entertainment with reporting science? And deal with accusations of polarising debates and mis-representing the facts?
Speakers: Fiona MacRae, The Daily Mail; Margaret McCartney, The Financial Times; and others to be confirmed!
Standing up for science; the nuts and bolts: What is there for early career researchers to play for? Not yet the leaders in the field what can you do to encourage good science and evidence in the public domain? This session offers practical guidance for early career researchers to get their voices heard in debates about science; how to respond to bad science when you see it; and top tips for if you come face-to-face with a journalist!
Speakers: Ellen Raphael, Director, Sense About Science; Alice Tuff, Voice of Young Science; Ronald Kerr, Press and PR Manager, University of Edinburgh.
These workshops are very popular and there are only 40 places available. For more information and to apply see Sense about Science: Voice of Young Science
Media training
The Royal Society
The Royal Society runs one-day media training courses several times a year. The course includes coaching on how to handle the media successfully and opportunities to practice radio and TV interviews. For more information visit the Royal Society online.
NERC
NERC students and NERC-funded researchers are eligible for free training in science communication skills. NERC’s two day courses are run six times a year and cover working with print and broadcast media, as well as working more directly with the public. For more information click here.
NERC Guide: Communicating your ideas
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.
Other media training courses
The BA lists several other media training course providers. For more information visit the BA website.
Awards and work experience
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
BA Media Fellowships
Intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practicing scientists, BA Media Fellowships provide 3 to 8 week placements working with a national press, broadcast or internet journalist. Applications for the next round of Fellowships should be submitted by 3 March 2009. Further information here.
Science writing & science communication awards
The Daily Telegraph/Bayer Science Writer Awards
Now in their 21st year and open to anyone aged between 15 and 28, The Daily Telegraph/Bayer Science Writer Awards 2008 give you the opportunity to write on any scientific or science-related subject. Prizes include having your articles published in The Daily Telegraph and work placements in the media. There is also a special prize for schools and teachers. Details of the 2009 competition will appear here when available. For further information click here.
Young Environmental Journalist of the Year Award
The award is for someone under 26 who can write about environmental issues in a fresh and exciting way. For more information.
Biosciences Federation Science Communication Award
BES member Professor Dave Goulson of Stirling University was runner up in the BSF Science Communication Award 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.
Further information here.
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