XClose

UCL Global

Menu

ABSW Media Fellowship

UCL scientists, clinicians and engineers collaborating internationally can gain first-hand experience in 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 2025. 

We encourage and prioritise applications from BAME academics collaborating internationally, to help enhance diversity in science communication and actively celebrate and integrate the expertise, perspectives and innovations that they bring to UCL.

Applications for this year’s ABSW scheme are open Monday 24 February – Monday 24 March 2025. 

About 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 an internationally renowned 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

How the scheme works

UCL scientists, clinicians and engineers, who are collaborating internationally, are identified and shortlisted by UCL Global Engagement, who will fund one Fellowship. The ABSW identifies media hosts and then carries out the final selection process to match the successful applicant to the 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.

Previous Fellows include:

About her experience as an ABSW Fellow, Dr Rebecca Irons said:

“As researchers, we often work within very specific niches. Stepping outside my academic bubble and seeing how science is communicated to the public on a broader scale has been an eye-opening experience. It has given me a new appreciation for the role of science journalism and expanded my perspective on effective science communication.


Dr Linzy Elton said: 

“The Fellowship has been a valuable opportunity to develop new skills, particularly in using innovative digital tools for science communication. It has also reinforced the importance of building trust between scientists and the public, both in the Global North and the Global South.


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).

Apply

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.

More information