Frequently Asked Questions
This information may prove useful as a first point of reference.
1. I am looking for a career change, and want to work in science communication full time. Can I participate in the scheme to get work experience?
No. The Media Fellowships are intended to raise awareness of the media amongst scientists; they are not intended as a springboard into science communication or journalism. We expect Fellows to return to their career and share their experiences with other scientists. Those who are considering a career change should see the 'So you want to be a science communicator page.
2. What financial support is provided during the Fellowship?
We expect Fellows to be released on full pay by their employers during the Fellowship (unless agreed otherwise). During the placement, travel and accommodation costs are provided, subsistence may also be covered depending on the type of accommodation. Travel, accommodation and subsistance are covered for the British Science Festival and briefing and debrief days.
3. I am currently part way through my PhD, am I eligible?
Yes, as long as you have a minimum of 2 years postgraduate experience (either working or studying), permission from your funders to take the time out of your research and can balance the workload.
4. I am not a UK citizen, am I eligible?
Yes. You do not have to be a UK citizen to apply for the scheme but you must have a valid work visa, be working in the UK, and have a work contract until June 2013
5. I am currently unemployed/in between contracts, am I eligible?
No. Unfortunately you are only eligible for the scheme if you have a work contract at the time of applying and the contract lasts until December 2012.
6. I am unable to take time off work for an 8 week placement but could do 3 weeks; is this possible?
Placement lengths are reasonably flexible. Print placements are normally between 3-4 weeks and broadcast placements normally last 6-8 weeks due to the time it takes to train to use the equipment. Placement timing and lengths are arranged for times that are convenient for both the host and the Fellow. If you are only able to do a shorter placement please note this on your form in the 'special requests' section.
7. I am unable to relocate, can you offer me a local placement?
We will try but can't guarantee it. Unfortunately most of the national science journalists are based in London so placements tend to be offered there. However, there are hosts in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin and Birmingham. We are working to get more placements regionally and hope to offer more in future years.
8. I am only interested in a TV or radio placement, can I specify this on my form?
Yes, you can specify this in the 'special requests' section of the form. We can't guarantee it but will try.
9. My friend works at the BBC and has offered me a placement; can I apply for the money?
No. The scheme only offers placements that have been organised by the British Science Association. Funds towards personal placements are not available.
10. I work part time, can I apply?
Yes. Those in part time employment are eligible for the scheme, although most placements are offered on a full time basis there may be some flexibility.
11. I am freelance, can I apply?
No. Unfortunately we can't offer Media Fellowships to freelancers.
12. I work in knowledge transfer, outreach or communications full time am I eligible?
No. Media Fellowships will only be offered to practising researchers.
13. When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications in 2012 is Sunday 11 March at midnight.
14. I am not eligible for the scheme this year; will the scheme be running again in the future?
The scheme has been running every year since 1987 and (funding permitting) will continue in the future. If you would like to be kept informed of next year’s scheme please sign up to receive e-lerts about the Media Fellowships.
15. I am not in contact with my funder and am finding it difficult to get a release letter for my application. What should I do?
We require a letter from your employer saying they are happy to release you on full pay. This can come from either your funder or head of department, supervisor or line manager. If you would like to let your employer know about the scheme, we have a pre-written Letter to employer (pdf 148KB) from the CEO of the British Science Association which you can print, detailing the Media Fellowships relevance and impacts.
16. I have young children/dependents and will need to go home frequently during my placement, is this possible?
We try and be as flexible as possible so please let us know in your application about your personal circumstances so we can do our best to match you up to a suitable placement.
18. I haven't been selected for a Media Fellowship this year, what can I do?
Have a look at our list of similar schemes or apply again next year. For practical ideas on how to get media experience, have a look at Why work with media? and What next?. You can also get involved in public engagement projects on our Researchers page or Sign up to receive our Scientist in Society e-lerts letting you know about other opportunities
Do you have any further questions? If you have any questions please phone Amy Lothian on 020 7019 4938 or email.
1. I am looking for a career change, and want to work in science communication full time. Can I participate in the scheme to get work experience?
No. The Media Fellowships are intended to raise awareness of the media amongst scientists; they are not intended as a springboard into science communication or journalism. We expect Fellows to return to their career and share their experiences with other scientists. Those who are considering a career change should see the 'So you want to be a science communicator page.
2. What financial support is provided during the Fellowship?
We expect Fellows to be released on full pay by their employers during the Fellowship (unless agreed otherwise). During the placement, travel and accommodation costs are provided, subsistence may also be covered depending on the type of accommodation. Travel, accommodation and subsistance are covered for the British Science Festival and briefing and debrief days.
3. I am currently part way through my PhD, am I eligible?
Yes, as long as you have a minimum of 2 years postgraduate experience (either working or studying), permission from your funders to take the time out of your research and can balance the workload.
4. I am not a UK citizen, am I eligible?
Yes. You do not have to be a UK citizen to apply for the scheme but you must have a valid work visa, be working in the UK, and have a work contract until June 2013
5. I am currently unemployed/in between contracts, am I eligible?
No. Unfortunately you are only eligible for the scheme if you have a work contract at the time of applying and the contract lasts until December 2012.
6. I am unable to take time off work for an 8 week placement but could do 3 weeks; is this possible?
Placement lengths are reasonably flexible. Print placements are normally between 3-4 weeks and broadcast placements normally last 6-8 weeks due to the time it takes to train to use the equipment. Placement timing and lengths are arranged for times that are convenient for both the host and the Fellow. If you are only able to do a shorter placement please note this on your form in the 'special requests' section.
7. I am unable to relocate, can you offer me a local placement?
We will try but can't guarantee it. Unfortunately most of the national science journalists are based in London so placements tend to be offered there. However, there are hosts in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin and Birmingham. We are working to get more placements regionally and hope to offer more in future years.
8. I am only interested in a TV or radio placement, can I specify this on my form?
Yes, you can specify this in the 'special requests' section of the form. We can't guarantee it but will try.
9. My friend works at the BBC and has offered me a placement; can I apply for the money?
No. The scheme only offers placements that have been organised by the British Science Association. Funds towards personal placements are not available.
10. I work part time, can I apply?
Yes. Those in part time employment are eligible for the scheme, although most placements are offered on a full time basis there may be some flexibility.
11. I am freelance, can I apply?
No. Unfortunately we can't offer Media Fellowships to freelancers.
12. I work in knowledge transfer, outreach or communications full time am I eligible?
No. Media Fellowships will only be offered to practising researchers.
13. When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications in 2012 is Sunday 11 March at midnight.
14. I am not eligible for the scheme this year; will the scheme be running again in the future?
The scheme has been running every year since 1987 and (funding permitting) will continue in the future. If you would like to be kept informed of next year’s scheme please sign up to receive e-lerts about the Media Fellowships.
15. I am not in contact with my funder and am finding it difficult to get a release letter for my application. What should I do?
We require a letter from your employer saying they are happy to release you on full pay. This can come from either your funder or head of department, supervisor or line manager. If you would like to let your employer know about the scheme, we have a pre-written Letter to employer (pdf 148KB) from the CEO of the British Science Association which you can print, detailing the Media Fellowships relevance and impacts.
16. I have young children/dependents and will need to go home frequently during my placement, is this possible?
We try and be as flexible as possible so please let us know in your application about your personal circumstances so we can do our best to match you up to a suitable placement.
18. I haven't been selected for a Media Fellowship this year, what can I do?
Have a look at our list of similar schemes or apply again next year. For practical ideas on how to get media experience, have a look at Why work with media? and What next?. You can also get involved in public engagement projects on our Researchers page or Sign up to receive our Scientist in Society e-lerts letting you know about other opportunities
Do you have any further questions? If you have any questions please phone Amy Lothian on 020 7019 4938 or email.
