Applications are now open for the 2026 Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) Media Fellowship scheme.
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 2026, giving them the confidence to engage with the media in the future.
This year we'll be choosing one fellow to represent the University of Bath in 2026.
The deadline for applications is midnight, Friday 24 April 2026.
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 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 2025, the University selected two Media Fellows after a competitive process. Professor Kit Yates, professor of Mathematical Biology and Public Engagement in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and Dr Adwait Sharma, who leads the Advanced Interaction and Sensing Lab in the Department of Computer Science, spent time with Bath-based popular science website Live Science and online news platform Research Professional News respectively.
Dr Sharma said: "The ABSW Media Fellowship was a privilege I'm deeply grateful for — it opened a world where a 30-minute email response is considered slow, and clarity always wins over precision.
"Working alongside the team at Research Professional News, I got a rare inside view of how science stories are made — and broken. If you're a researcher who wants to genuinely connect with a wider audience, this fellowship is the place to start."
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 2026
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 Steve Bryant, Head of News & Media via swpb20@bath.ac.uk.