Standing Up for Science

Media Workshop

This event is open to early career researchers in physical, chemical or biological sciences (post-doctoral fellows or equivalent in first job) and will be held on Friday 21st November 2008 in Edinburgh.

• Are you passionate about your research?

• Do you think it is important for good science and evidence to be communicated to a wider audience?

• What can you do about misconceptions and misinformation about science?

Session 1 Science in the media: What happens when research announcements go wrong; statistics are manipulated; risk factors are distorted; or discussions become polarised?

Speakers: Professor John Atkinson, Associate Dean Research & Commercialisation, School of Health Nursing and Midwifery, University of The West of Scotland; Dr Dave Reay, Lecturer in Carbon Management, University of Edinburgh; Dr Debbie Wake, Clinician in Endocrinology, Diabetes and General Medicine, NHS Lothien; Dr Shaun Treweek, Health Services researcher, Dundee University.

Session 2 What journalists are looking for: How do journalists approach stories? Balance the need for news and entertainment with reporting science? And deal with accusations of polarising debates and mis-representing the facts?

Speakers: Fiona MacRae, The Daily Mail; Margaret McCartney, The Financial Times; and others to be confirmed!

Session 3 Standing up for science; the nuts and bolts: What is there for early career researchers to play for? Not yet the leaders in the field what can you do to encourage good science and evidence in the public domain? This session offers practical guidance for early career researchers to get their voices heard in debates about science; how to respond to bad science when you see it; and top tips for if you come face-to-face with a journalist!

Speakers: Ellen Raphael, Director, Sense About Science; Alice Tuff, Voice of Young Science; Ronald Kerr, Press and PR Manager, University of Edinburgh.

The workshop runs from 10:30 to 4:30 with a launch of their new VoYS publication afterwards which will last for 1-2 hours. The venue will be the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The workshop is free and open to both PhD and postdoctoral students.

These workshops are very popular and there are only 40 places available. Please apply with a CV and covering letter explaining your reason for applying to Alice Tuff with the reference 'Media Workshop 21/11/08': email atuff@senseaboutscience.org or post to Sense About Science, 25 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EG. Please state any affiliations you hold.

The closing date for applications is Friday 24th October.

For further information visit www.senseaboutscience.org/VoYS or call on 020 7478 4331.

Sense About Science is a registered charity that promotes good science and evidence in public debates.