Transcript Document
Science Communication Careers Stephanie Sinclair Today’s Talk • Highlight the who/what/where/why of science communication careers • Ask you to think about your career • Provide top tips about working in science communication • Answer and questions you have about careers What is Science Communication? Incredibly broad but includes: • PR • Science writing and editing • Event management eg of science festivals • Direct public engagement eg presenting shows/ performances/comedy • Exhibitions • Broadcast and games • Science policy • Science education • Research into eg perceptions of science Can often include several of these elements Who does it? • Where on the spectrum might you fit? Professional communicator Researcher Full-time researcher (no comms work) Mixed role (rare, for now!) Full-time communicator (no research work) Where does it happen? Science Centre boom: • First independent centre 1984 (The Exploratory, Bristol) • 18 centres by 2000 • 30 centres by 2010 • c.20million visitors per year Plus lots of other festivals and events across the UK and internationally. Why do it? Make science enjoyable and interesting for audiences Inspiring participants to find out more about science Encouraging participants to study STEM subjects Changing participants’ attitudes to science Preparing participants for non-science careers Inspiring a general interest in and engagement with science Raising awareness of STEM issues and the importance of science A case study: my career • • • • Genetics BSc, University of York Science Communication MSc, Techniquest Science Development Team, Life Science Centre Young People’s Programme, British Science Association • Education and Learning Team, Wellcome Trust For interviews with other people working in Science Communication see Speaking of Science http://speakingofscience.juliegould.net/ YOUR Career Think about what you have done so far and where you would like to be YOUR Career What skills do you already have? Learning Absorbing/processing information Summarising Writing Talking Presenting Time management/project management Persuasion/negotiation Creativity Initiative Practical skills (eg IT, media, craft, design, engineering) A few communication basics • Know your audience • Know yourself (objectives, motives) • Choose the appropriate medium/opportunity • Give yourself time (to plan, prepare, deliver and reflect) • Welcome criticism • Persevere Communication challenge Can you describe what you do in 140 characters? I manage the informal learning programme @WellcomeTrust and produce biomedical resources for use in and out of the classroom #twittercv Follow us on @BIGchats Hard Truths • You will never make your fortune as a science communicator. But it is possible to have an enjoyable, fulfilling career. • Most jobs are with fairly small organisations, with very limited opportunities for promotion... But small organisations can offer more variety within a given role. • You may need to be mobile in the early years of your career... But diverse experience will be a huge advantage when you get to manage projects or organisations. • You may have to do jobs you don’t enjoy... But just think of the anecdotes! Hard Truths • There will be plenty of people who think your job is easy... But you know you’ve done a good job if it appears effortless. • There is a LOT of competition for work... But you are already ahead of much competition. • Contacts are important But networking has never been easier! Top Tips Networks to join - BIG - Psci-com - ABSW (Association of British Science Writers) - ASDC (Association for Science and Discovery Centres) Where to look for jobs - British Science Association Job Board Don’t forget • No one else will market your talent • The person in the coffee queue might be your next boss Any questions ?