The Science Media Centre runs free events for data scientists and researchers who work with big data, patient data, genomics or AI, to introduce them to how the media works – and how to help journalists report your subject better.

The events, which have previously taken place in venues in London, Durham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brighton, Exeter, Belfast and Norwich, are informative, entertaining and popular.

You will hear from national news science journalists about what makes a story, what drives the news agenda and what they need from you – and you will get a chance to interrogate them on what drives you mad about the media.

You will also hear from press officers working at the coal face of science communication, and from scientists who have worked with the media and lived to tell the tale.

Scientists, social scientists, engineers and clinicians from any discipline and at any stage of their career in academia or industry (excluding those at undergraduate level), who have little or no media experience but would like to find out more, are welcome. Senior scientists are especially welcome, as are scientists at least part way into their careers – it’s not really aimed at students.

The sessions offer a beginner’s guide to the media, giving an insight into the way the news media works. Topics covered include:

• how and why scientists and journalists should engage with each other
• top tips for dealing with the media
• how journalists find stories
• the role of the press office
• the role of the news editor

It isn’t: Skills-based media training. This session will not prepare you for a confrontation with Paxman or Humphries, and it is not practical media training; but it will give a flavour of the news media to help you understand its demands and make it easier for you to work with journalists. The SMC, however, does offer individual support to scientists when collaborating with them on frontline media work, and the Introduction to the New Media sessions are one way in which it develops relationships with scientists.

To reserve your place please send your full name, job title, institution, institutional e-mail address and phone number to the email address below.  Places are limited and SMC anticipates that demand for places will be high.