Applications are now open for the 2025 Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) Media Fellowship scheme, after the University successfully took part for the first time last year.

The scheme is an opportunity for scientists and engineers at the University of Bath to gain first-hand experience of reporting at a leading UK media outlet during 2025, giving them the confidence to engage with media in the future.

Thanks to joint funding through the ESRC and EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accounts at the University of Bath, up to two fellows from Bath will be chosen in 2025.

The deadline for applications is midnight, Friday 28 February 2025.

The ABSW Media Fellowships

The ABSW Media Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for practising 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 the New Scientist.

The ABSW Media Fellowships:

  • Engage – give scientists the confidence to engage with the media
  • Foster Trust – tackle mistrust and misrepresentation
  • Bridge the Gap – between journalists and scientists
  • Build Understanding – between science and society

In 2024 the University selected two Media Fellows after a competitive process. Professor Tiffany Taylor, from the Milner Centre of Evolution in the Department of Life Sciences, and Dr Abbie Jordan, from the Centre for Pain Research in the Department of Psychology spent time with Bath-based popular science website Live Science and BBC Science Focus magazine respectively.

Dr Jordan said: "My placement with BBC Science Focus was an incredible opportunity to develop my science communication skills, from writing to tight deadlines to crafting engaging stories for a broad audience. The induction to science media provided by the Association for British Science Writers offered a valuable crash course in the field, as well as a sense of peer support throughout the placement.

“I'm also incredibly grateful to the University of Bath for making this experience possible. It was an invaluable step in learning how to bring science to life for the public."

The pair will discuss their experiences of taking part and what they’ve learned in a forthcoming Media Masterclass event on Wednesday 12 February. This hybrid event is open to all staff, and in particular colleagues interested in applying to the scheme.

How does the scheme work?

  • Scientists, clinicians, and engineers are identified and shortlisted by their supporting institution, who fund their Fellowship.
  • The ABSW identifies media hosts and then carries out the final selection process to match individuals to media hosts.
  • The Fellows receive training from the ABSW prior to taking up their placements and are 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 the ABSW Media Fellowship 2024

Who is eligible? Before applying you should read the supporting documentation, including the Person Specification and the Terms and Conditions.

Ready to apply? Applications are open via Microsoft Forms. You will be asked a few questions about your role, your interest in the media, and what you hope to gain from the scheme.

The ABSW is committed to transforming the diversity and inclusivity of science. It will work with Media Fellows to ensure they have a positive experience on the scheme, and can accommodate requests for part-time, remote, or flexible working for people who would otherwise find it difficult to take part. ABSW particularly encourages applications from researchers who are typically underrepresented by the scheme, including those who:

  • have a disability, defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on someone’s ability to do normal daily activities (Equalities Act 2010)
  • do not have an academic family background (e.g. parents did not go to university)

Please note, diversity statistics are anonymised, and are collected separately from the main application form. If you would like to make ABSW aware that you belong to one or more of the above groups, please mention it in your form and it will be taken into account when assessing your application.

Any further questions? Contact Chris Melvin, Head of News & Media via cmm64@bath.ac.uk.