Boosting Public Engagement: University of Bath’s ABSW Media Fellowship Supports Science Communication Skills

University of Bath’s ABSW Media Fellowship: Bridging the Gap Between Scientists and Journalists

The University of Bath is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the  2025 Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) Media Fellowship scheme. This fellowship presents a unique opportunity for scientists and engineers at the University of Bath to immerse themselves in the world of leading UK media outlets. By participating in this program, fellows will gain invaluable first-hand experience, boosting their confidence and skills in media engagement. In 2025, two distinguished fellows will be selected from Bath, with the fellowship generously funded by the ESRC and EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accounts.

The ABSW Media Fellowships provide practising scientists, clinicians, and engineers with the opportunity to spend two to six weeks at media outlets like the Guardian, BBC Breakfast, or the New Scientist. The program aims to help fellows address challenges such as mistrust and misrepresentation, build media engagement skills, and bridge the gap between scientists and journalists to foster a better public understanding of science.

In 2024, Bath selected two media fellows: Dr. Abbie Jordan from the Centre for Pain Research in the Department of Psychology, and Professor Tiffany Taylor from the Milner Centre of Evolution in the Department of Life Sciences. Both achievers will discuss their experiences from last year's fellowship at an upcoming Media Masterclass event, scheduled for February 12, 2025. The event will be held in a hybrid format and will be open to all staff.

Dr. Jordan described her BBC Science Focus placement as a valuable opportunity to improve her science communication skills, working under tight deadlines and crafting engaging stories. She appreciated the induction to science media by the Association for British Science Writers and the peer support throughout. Dr Jordan expressed gratitude to the University of Bath for enabling the experience, which she saw as a crucial step in learning to communicate science to the public. This fellowship offers an exceptional platform for scientists and engineers to enhance their media skills, fostering a greater public understanding of science.

Editor's Note:

The University of Bath’s announcement of the 2025 ABSW Media Fellowship presents an incredible opportunity for scientists and engineers to step into the world of media communication. This fellowship is more than just a career boost – it empowers participants with the skills to address the challenges of mistrust and misrepresentation of science, helping them build a more informed and connected relationship between the scientific community and the public. By fostering collaboration between scientists and journalists, it ensures that complex research becomes accessible and understandable.

Skoobuzz encourages aspiring scientists to seize this opportunity to advance their careers and to play a part in shaping how science is communicated to the world.