IBMS Fellow awarded Media Fellowship

The IBMS sponsored a place on the British Science Association’s (BSA) Media Fellowship scheme for 2020 and members who met the award criteria were invited to apply. Following a selection process that included an application and interview, Dr Martin Khechara FIBMS was chosen for this year's Fellowship.

The British Science Association’s Media Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for practicing 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 Sky News. Dr Khechara will have the chance to be selected to work within the media later this year to gain an understanding of how the media works and to collaborate on stories with journalists. As well as undertaking the media placement, Dr Khechara will also take part in presenting at the British Science Festival. It is then hoped that he will be involved in future news stories promoting biomedical science. 

Dr Khechara is a microbiologist who has previously worked at Porton Down and is now a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Wolverhampton. The selectors felt that he gave strong answers about how he would use the experience to benefit colleagues and collaborators, and on how he would adapt to the new workplace.

On being awarded the fellowship, Dr Khechara said:

“I am delighted to be able to support the Institute's public engagement efforts as a British Science Association (BSA) Media Fellow. Public engagement with biomedical science is so important, especially in the current climate, and I hope that my new position and skills in science communication can support biomedical scientists to better promote the vital job they do in NHS trusts across the country.

To be given this opportunity is the culmination of many years of developing myself as a public engagement specialist for STEM and to say that I am excited and proud is just not enough words! I would just like to say a massive thank you to the IBMS and the BSA for giving me this opportunity. I’ll do you proud I promise!”

Due to the pandemic situation, the fellowship programme has been pushed back until government guidelines change.