'Science doesn’t have to stay in silos’
This was one of five lessons from a global gathering of journalists, media researchers and communication experts earlier this month.
The Conversation UK’s senior environment editor Anna Turns recently published a blog about her main takeaways from the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy.
Anna hosted an event with science journalist Adam Levy on how to make complex climate issues relatable and succinct on social media.
"Climate communication is definitely not just about imparting facts. There’s space for nuance, even humour,” Anna wrote.
“We chatted about bridging the gap between science and storytelling, how to apply a rigorous journalistic approach to all forms of content and how integrity must be the top priority. That all builds precious trust and creates connection."
As The Conversation UK’s commercial subsidiary, Universal Impact helps researchers boost the reach and impact of their work, providing a wide range of bespoke training, mentoring and communications programmes.
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Now, onto this week’s latest opportunities from across the world of research, communications and policymaking:
Don’t forget to apply for an opportunity to attend an academic forum in Dubai – with flights and accommodation covered. Prototypes for Humanity aims to address some of the world’s most pressing global social and environmental challenges. Applications are currently open for the newly established Professors’ Programme. Selected academics will be invited to the event at Jumeirah Emirates Towers from November 17 to 20. If you’re interested, simply submit a brief abstract for an academic paper addressing one of a number of timely key themes. Deadline: 16 May.
Next up is a great opportunity for researchers in Africa. The Mission 300 Fellowship programme is looking for “highly qualified citizens of African states” to be embedded in government as part of efforts to expand energy access across the continent. There are two-year placements available in 14 countries as part of the scheme, launched by ODI Global with the aim of "investing in the next generation of talented professionals dedicated to advancing Africa’s energy sector”. Deadline: 7 May.
An inquiry has been launched into how the UK Government is including the needs and voices of women in its development efforts. It comes amid plans to cut the UK’s aid budget. The International Development Committee will consider how it can ensure that women’s voices help to shape the policies that affect them. This is part of the committee’s "In Development’ programme", where experts were asked to submit ideas for inquiries on the key issues shaping the sector. Deadline: 16 May.
There’s been a fair amount in the news recently about NATO, the military alliance of countries from Europe and North America. But you might not have heard of NATO Defense College – the alliance’s academic institution. Applications are currently open for a number of funded fellowships with the college’s research division. These five-month placements, which are open to academics from different countries around the world, “address complex challenges by combining rigorous research with targeted training”. Deadline: 17 May.
Here’s an interesting opportunity for a funded PhD looking at the pressures faced by football referees. The Manchester Metropolitan University project aims to “explore and support the mental health and welfare needs of professional match officials”. You’d be based at the university’s institute of sport, collaborating closely with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to develop best practice. Fees are covered and there’s a stipend included. This one is only open to UK students. You should have a BSc honours degree in sport and exercise science, psychology or another related discipline, although an MSc is considered desirable. Deadline: 30 May.
Applications are now open for a funded policy fellowship scheme with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). These 18-month fellowships are open to researchers at organisations which are eligible for UKRI funding. To apply, you should have a PhD or equivalent experience. The fellowships offer the opportunity to "inform policy to address pressing national and global challenges”. As well as the core policy fellowship, there are also opportunities focused on innovation and dealing with “extreme natural events or situations”. Deadline: 15 July.
You can currently apply for a research professorship at KU Leuven in Belgium. There are currently 15 research professor positions open across a range of different fields, with the university looking for researchers with "internationally recognised excellence, or, for younger researchers, a high potential", with at least three years’ full-time experience after obtaining a PhD. These positions are part of the BOFZAP scheme, which is funded by the Flemish Government. In the first ten years, you would have limited teaching responsibilities, after this the position is “transformed into a regular academic professorship”. Deadline: 2 September.
And finally, here’s a new opportunity to apply for funding to become an independent researcher focused on human health. The Medical Research Council will cover salary and project costs for up to five years, with no limit on the amount of funding you can apply for. To apply, you should have a PhD or equivalent and be able to show both evidence of career progression and "clear plans for establishing independence and developing as a leader in your area of research”. Deadline: 10 September.
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All the best,
Adam at Universal Impact
