Media Fellowship Programme 2023

We are excited to announce that the IBMS are once again supporting the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) Media Fellowship scheme. This sponsorship will provide a unique opportunity for one of our members to gain first-hand experience of reporting at a UK media outlet during summer of 2023. The deadline for applications is Friday 17 March 2023.

What are the ABSW Media Fellowships?

The Media Fellowships were established in 1987 with a view to improve the accessibility of the sciences and provide more opportunities for discussion and debate within the field.

By applying to this scheme, practising scientists, clinicians and engineers have the chance to spend a part of their summer working at the heart of a world-renowned media outlet - such as the Guardian, BBC Breakfast or the Londonist.

Selected Fellows will also receive direct mentorship from professional journalists - giving them the confidence to better engage with the media and tackle vital issues of mistrust and misrepresentation within scientific disciplines.

In 2020, Dr Martin Khechara FIBMS was selected for the BSA Media Fellowship which took place in 2021. Martin, a microbiologist who has previously worked at Porton Down and is now a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Wolverhampton, was placed with 'The Naked Scientists' who create award-winning science podcasts and science radio shows.

On being selected, he commented:

“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.”

Last year, in 2022, Dr Sarah Pitt was chosen as a Media Fellow and will be carrying out her placement with BBC Future. 

You can read more about some other ABSW Media Fellows and their careers in science journalism here >>

How does the scheme work?

The IBMS will identify and shortlist members who satisfy the ABSW person specifications (see full person specifications document below). The ABSW will then identify media hosts and carry out a final selection process to match individuals to media hosts.

The chosen Fellows will receive training from the ABSW prior to taking up their placements 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 any members who are interested in becoming a Media Fellow, please download and complete our application form>> and complete the Equality Diversity and Inclusion monitoring form email to communications@ibms.org. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 17 March 2023.

Please also read further application materials before submitting your application:

• Media Fellows Terms and Conditions – key info for all potential applicants

• Personal Specification – key info for all potential applicants

• Letter of support – an example letter of support that will need to accompany the applicants form when finally sent to the ABSW