SEB Bulletin - March 2008
SEB Science Communication Bursary
The Society is offering a bursary for a postgraduate student/early career Scientist to gain 4 weeks' training in its Education & Public Affairs (EPA) Office during the period 16 June – 11 July 2008. The placement will be suitable for someone who is seeking a career in science journalism, scientific administration, or as a publicity officer. Applicants with some experience of non-academic science writing will be given priority.
Working under the guidance of the EPA officer, the main activities will be:
- 4 weeks' experience with the EPA office at Lancaster University (3 weeks, negotiable) and the SEB Main Meeting (1 week). Accommodation and travel costs are included in the bursary.
- To write press releases for the SEB's Annual Main Meeting. You will be expected to review the meeting abstracts, talk to session convenors and interview speakers in order to produce interesting, eye-catching press notices.
- To send out the press releases to the media using Alphagalileo, Eurekalert and email.
- To act as the Press officer at the SEB Meeting: to attend relevant talks and visit posters, write additional news for release during the meeting, meet visiting journalists, organise interviews, take photos etc.
- To assist in the organisation and running of the EPA programme during the Meeting.
- To write an article (in the style of New Scientist) on a topic presented at the meeting for the SEB's news bulletin (optional).
- To write a short post-meeting report.
This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your experience of science communication (previous winners have secured jobs as news editors, science writers and publicity officers). To register your interest for this post please email the EPA officer, Sarah Blackford, with your CV highlighting your science communication skills and stating how this post will help your career.
s.blackford@lancaster.ac.uk
Closing date: 18 April 2008
