The British Science Association Media Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for practising scientists, clinicians and engineers to spend three to six weeks working at the heart of a media outlet such as the Guardian, the BBC or Nature News.
Every year up to ten Media Fellows are mentored by professional journalists and learn how the media operates and reports on science, how to communicate with the media and to engage the wider public with science through the media.
Who is eligible to apply?
- you 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.
- you are employed, and based, part or full time in the UK or Ireland and you have a work contract/ research funding until December 2014. If you are not a UK or Irish citizen you need to have a work contract until June 2015.
- you work at any level in an academic or research institution, industry, civil service or any other similar organisation
- you 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.
2014 Media Fellowships timeline
If you apply for the scheme, you are expected to meet the following dates:
- 22 January – 16 March – Applications’ deadline
- 7 May – All applicants are notified about the outcome of their application
- 5 June – Briefing/ training day, London
- July – September – 3-6 weeks placements, booked according to the media host and the Fellow availability
- 4 September (tbc) – British Science Festival media launch, London
- 6-11 September – Fellows attend the British Science Festival, in Birmingham, as a representative of their media host organisation
- 6 October – Deadline for placement report
- 30 October – Debriefing day, London
Find our more about the British Science Association Media Fellowships.