Do you want to put science in the headlines?

If you do then the British Science Association Media Fellowships are for you.

The scheme offers a free and unique professional development opportunity for practising researchers to experience first-hand how science is reported by spending 3-6 weeks on a summer placement with a press, broadcast or online journalist such as the Guardian, The Times or BBC.

You will work with them to produce well informed, newsworthy pieces about developments in science.

Come away better equipped to communicate your research to the media, public and your colleagues.

You will develop writing skills that could help you produce concise and engaging articles and funding applications.

For details about the scheme and online application form, visit the British Science Association website.  Application deadline is 11 March 2013.

To be eligible to apply for the Media Fellowships scheme you have to fulfil the following criteria:

  • are a practising scientist, social scientist, clinician or engineer and have a minimum of 2 years postgraduate experience in your field. PhD students are eligible although we don’t recommend it due to the heavy workload.
  • are employed, and based, part or full time in the UK or Ireland and you have a work contract/ research funding until December 2013. If you are not a UK or Irish citizen you need to have a work contract until June 2014.
  • work at any level in an academic or research institution, industry, civil service or any other similar organisation
  • have your employers/funders consent to be released on full pay for the period of the Fellowships. Annual leave may be used for part of the placement.

Unfortunately the British Science Association ARE NOT able to offer Media Fellowships to freelancers, those who work in PR or communications, or those who want to change career full time into science communication.