The ultimate guide to writing about science

Learn how to share your passion for science with the world at this fun and informative masterclass

Passionate about science? Don’t miss out on this fabulous science writing masterclass. During the day, you’ll learn how to communicate subjects as complex as evolution and quantum mechanics to different audiences – whether as an author, broadcaster, blogger, journalist or PR.

The day is a fantastic opportunity to soak up insights from BBC broadcaster Angela Saini, New Scientist cosmology consultant Marcus Chown, Lab Lit author Jenny Rohn and popular science author Brian Clegg. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your story ideas, and receive friendly and constructive feedback that will help you in your career.

Course content

• An overview of the field of science communication – including writing, journalism, broadcasting, blogging and PR
• What makes a great science article?
• What magazines and newspapers are looking for in submissions
• How to write high-quality content for print and digital formats
• Science for TV and radio – how to communicate complex ideas to a mainstream audience
• How radio and TV science is pitched to commissioning editors
• Finding the right topic for a popular science book
• Moving from idea to publication
• Advice on getting attention for your books, journalism and/or blogposts
• Pitch to the panel: attendees have the opportunity to pitch their story ideas for any medium to our experts, with opportunity for feedback
• Q&A and discussion with all speaker

This course is for you if...

• You have a passion for science and want to learn more about different employment options in the field
• You have ambitions to become a science writer, journalist or blogger
• You’re a professional scientist who wants to learn how to communicate your findings to a broad audience
• You’re a teacher or academic keen to learn more about professional science communication
• You’re a science writer, author or blogger looking to improve your communication skills

Course preparation

• Attendees are encouraged to bring along an idea for a science article, book, TV/radio programme or blog – with a paragraph or two of detail
• This is not essential, but if attendees would like to share their ideas for feedback during the class, they should come prepared with a rough idea of what they would like to present

Tutor profiles

Marcus Chown is an award-winning writer and broadcaster. Formerly a radio astronomer at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he is cosmology consultant of New Scientist and has written for many newspapers and magazines. His books include What A Wonderful World, Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You and We Need to Talk to Kelvin, which was short-listed for the 2010 Royal Society Book Prize. Marcus has also tried his hand at apps and won The Bookseller Digital Innovation of the Year award for Solar System for iPad. Find out more about Marcus on his website.

Angela Saini is a science journalist, author and broadcaster currently presenting the BBC World Service’s Food Chain. She worked for ITN and was a reporter for BBC News in London, featuring on the 10 O’Clock News and winning a European television award. She has written for New Scientist and The Guardian and her first book, Geek Nation: How Indian Science is Taking Over the World was published in 2011. Find out more about Angela on her website.

Brian Clegg is a popular science writer with 20 books in print who has written for publications from the Observer to Wall Street Journal. After degrees in Natural Sciences and Operational Research, he worked at British Airways before leaving to set up a company giving training in business creativity. These days, he enjoys spending most of his time writing popular science books and giving talks. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Find out more on Brian’s website.

Jenny Rohn has a PhD in microbiology and is currently a cell biologist at University College London. She has championed the field of Lab Lit (fiction with a science context that isn’t science fiction) and is a founder of the Science is Vital campaigning organisation. She has blogged for a good number of years, for the Guardian, Nature Network and at her blog Mind the Gap.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website