A series of media training sessions has launched this term to help researchers share their work with wider audiences, and to equip communications staff to better support our research staff. Communication staff from across Medical Sciences Division have collaborated to create a package including:
- Communicating Your Research to the Media, and Beyond
- Train the Trainer workshops
- The Conversation sessions
- Science Media Centre talk
Communicating Your Research to the Media, and Beyond
This session is aimed at researchers and will cover:
- Why share your research? Why not?
- What makes a good story?
- The ins and outs of a press release
- Media interviews
- Other ways to share your research
- Who can support you?
This session will take place online on Wednesday 5 November, 2pm - 3pm
Register for the November 'Communicating Your Research to the Media, and Beyond' session
There will be future sessions added for dates in February and May 2026. Exact dates tbc.
Train the Trainer wORKSHOP
This session will help communications staff to respond more effectively to media support requests. It will run once or twice a year online/in-person, with the first session planned for early 2026.
Register your interest in attending a Train the Trainer session
The Conversation
The Conversation is an online source of thought-provoking articles written by researchers and academics, across all disciplines, for the public in the UK and globally. It provides a platform for researchers to raise the profile of their research and engage the wider world, with the freedom to discuss topical issues in a more nuanced way than is typically offered by traditional media outlets.
Are you an academic, researcher, or DPhil candidate in Medical Sciences aiming to share your research with a global audience? We’re offering two excellent opportunities to learn about writing for The Conversation, both aimed at researchers:
Introduction to The Conversation: Join an introductory online session to learn about:
- The Conversation’s mission and collaborative editorial process.
- The basics of style, structure, and article types.
- Tips on pitching your research effectively.
- Direct Q&A with a Conversation editor.
Pitch to The Conversation: For a deeper dive, join an interactive workshop where you will:
- Gain practical insights into writing style, tone, and structure.
- Explore real-world examples and different article formats.
- Have the opportunity to pitch ideas and receive personalised feedback directly from an editor.
Dates for these sessions are still to be confirmed, but will take place in Hilary Term and Trinity Term 2026.
Register your interest in joining a future The Conversation session
Science Media Centre
The Science Media Centre (SMC) is an independent press office and not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve the quality of science coverage in the media by ensuring journalists have rapid access to reliable, evidence-based scientific expertise. The Science Media Centre’s main function is to bridge the gap between science and journalism. It does this through three core roles:
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Supporting journalists: The SMC provides expert reactions, background briefings, and access to qualified scientists so journalists can report scientific stories accurately and quickly.
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Supporting scientists and institutions: It trains scientists to engage effectively with the media and helps research institutions handle science stories responsibly, encouraging open communication even on controversial issues.
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Policy and Public Engagement: The SMC contributes to government and parliamentary discussions on science communication and studies how the public receives science through media.
We are arranging for SMC to deliver a talk on the importance of media engagement and effective communication of research. This session is likely to take place in Trinity Term 2026.
Register your interest in attending a future Science Media Centre talk