We would like to invite scientists, engineers and clinicians to our next Introduction to the News Media session – Tuesday 15 November 2016, Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE.

The event will take place from 12:30 until 17:00 with drinks afterwards.

This event is specifically geared towards scientists with little or no media experience, particularly those whose subject areas are controversial and of interest to the media, and tend to receive a lot of coverage.

Register interest: If you wish to attend this free session please send your full name, job title, institution, institutional email address and phone number to introduction@sciencemediacentre.org and we will send more information in due course.

I’m afraid I can’t reserve places without names and I would ask only for the names and addresses of confirmed attendees. Places are limited and we anticipate that the demand for places will be higher than we can accommodate.

What is involved? Science is as prominent in the news as it has ever been and it is of vital importance that issues around health and the environment for example are communicated accurately. The UK is fortunate to have some excellent science journalists, but news stories will never be covered as accurately as we want them to be without the direct involvement of the experts themselves.

Attendees will be given a beginner’s guide to the media and will hear from media-experienced scientists, news journalists, science correspondents, and press officers about the realities of the news media. Topics include:

  • how and why scientists and journalists should engage with each other
  • top tips for dealing with the media
  • how journalists find stories
  • the role of the press office
  • the role of the news editor

This event has capacity for 150 scientists and is divided into two sessions with a tea break, and includes a drinks reception at the end. Lunch will not be provided. The event is completely free of charge.

It isn’t: Skills-based media training. This session will not prepare delegates for a confrontation with John Humphrys but it will give a flavour of the media to help scientists understand its demands and make it easier for them to work with journalists.

Is it for you? These free events are designed specifically for scientists with little or no media experience and we welcome scientists, engineers and clinicians at any stage of their career in academia or industry from any institution (postdoc level or professional equivalent and above).

The sessions are especially relevant to scientists working in areas that are controversial and receive a lot of media coverage. They will be very similar to previous SMC Introduction to the Media days – so please don’t send anyone who has been to the event before.

What scientists who have previously attended say:

  • “I found it one of the most rewarding uses of an afternoon that I can remember.”
  • “I thought it was great and gave me at least five major take home points which I will use in the future.”
  • “I found the event very interesting and useful. I feel more comfortable with the idea of talking to journalists now.”
  • “I greatly enjoyed the event and really gained an appreciation for what the media goes through to get a story researched and out there.”

Programme:

  • 12:30 – 13:00 – Registration, tea & coffee
  • 13:00 – 13:30 – Welcome address – Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Manager, Science Media Centre
  • 13:30 – 13:50 – Working with your press office, Jonathan Wood, Media Manager, The Francis Crick Institute
  • 13:50 – 15:00 – Journalist panel session: Oliver Moody, Science Correspondent, The Times. Jane Kirby, Health Editor, Press Association
  • 15:00 – 15:25 – Tea & coffee
  • 15:25 – 16:25 – Scientist panel session: Prof Paul Pharoah, Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, University of Cambridge, Prof Rosie Woodroffe, Senior Research Fellow, Zoological Society of London, Dr Tim Chico, Reader in Cardiovascular Medicine & consultant cardiologist, University of Sheffield
  • 16:25 – 16:45 – ‘Top Tips’ for working with the media – Katrina Nevin-Ridley, Head of Communications, Genomics England
  • 16:45 – 17:00 – Closing remarks
  • 17:00 – 18:00 – Drinks reception

Find out more about the Science Media Centre at http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/.
You can contact us at smc@sciencemediacentre.org or 020 7611 8300