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UCL scientists, clinicians and engineers collaborating internationally can gain first-hand experience of reporting at a media outlet through the ABSW scheme, supported by UCL Global Engagement.
UCL Global Engagement is delighted to be supporting the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) Media Fellowship scheme. The scheme is an opportunity for a member of staff at UCL to gain first-hand experience of reporting at a UK-based media outlet during Summer 2023.
The ABSW Media Fellowships
The ABSW Media Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for practising scientists, clinicians and engineers to spend two to six weeks working at the heart of a media outlet such as the Guardian, BBC Breakfast or WIRED.
The ABSW Media Fellowships:
- Engage – give scientists the confidence to engage with the media
- Foster Trust – tackle mistrust and misrepresentation
- Bridge the Gap – between journalists and scientists
- Build Understanding – between science and society
Note: The British Science Association (BSA) ran the scheme from 1987–2020 as part of their commitment to increasing the accessibility of the sciences and providing opportunities for discussion and debate.
How the scheme works
UCL scientists, clinicians and engineers, who are collaborating internationally, are identified and shortlisted by UCL Global Engagement, who will fund the Fellowship. The ABSW identifies media hosts and then carries out the final selection process to match the successful applicant to a media host.
The Fellow will receive training from the ABSW prior to taking up their placement and will be supported by the ABSW throughout their placement and beyond. Placements normally take place for 2-6 weeks during the summer to fit with university teaching commitments.
How to apply for the Fellowship
Who is eligible? UCL scientists, clinicians and engineers collaborating internationally. Before applying, please read the:
Ready to apply? Download and fill out the application form below then email your completed form to Sophie Vinter, Senior Global Engagement Communications Manager (s.vinter@ucl.ac.uk).
Please ensure you highlight your international collaborations in your answers wherever possible.
When is the deadline? Applications must be recieved by Monday 3 April 2023.
The ABSW are committed to transforming the diversity and inclusivity of science. They will work with Media Fellows to ensure they have a positive experience on the scheme, and can accommodate requests for part-time, remote, or flexible working for people who would otherwise find it difficult to take part. They particularly encourage applications from researchers who are typically underrepresented by the scheme, including those who:
- have a disability, defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on someone’s ability to do normal daily activities (Equalities Act 2010)
- do not have an academic family background (e.g. parents did not go to university)
Please note, diversity statistics are anonymised, and are collected separately from the main application form. If you would like to make us aware that you belong to one or more of the above groups, please mention it in your form and we will take this into account when assessing your application.
