The fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, social scientists, clinicians and engineers.

Successful applicants spend three to eight weeks on a placement working with a national press, broadcast or internet journalist. The aim is to equip scientists with the skills to communicate their research to the public and to colleagues. Fellows learn to work within the conditions and constraints of the media to produce accurate and well-informed pieces about developments in science.

The scheme reflects the British Science Association’s commitment to working with the media to build understanding between science and society.

The application process is now open for summer 2009 placements. Details about the scheme, including an application form, can be found online.