Writing Scheme

At present, the course is only open to two University College London (UCL) postgraduate students per term or semester. This includes, all researchers and currently enrolled PGR students and research staff.

To apply, please complete the following:

A summary of your research written in a lay-friendly way (up to 250 words)

A summary explaining why you would like to do the course (up to 500 words)

Completed application needs to be sent before the deadline 5pm on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 to PET directly at: director@progress.org.uk

Alternatively, please see the UCL website or Inkpath (if you are a graduate studying at UCL or a post doc there) or contact us.

Previously, we have run the Writing Scheme with Queen Mary University of London, King's College London, with the Universities of Newcastle and Sheffield, and with the medical company CooperSurgical.

If you would like your institution or employer to fund places on the Writing Scheme, please contact us and we will explore this possibility with you.

The course is spread over a nine-week period.

After the initial induction period, the participant is expected, each subsequent weekend, to research and write a draft BioNews article, which is commissioned by the BioNews Editors.

Prior to publication on the BioNews website, the article will be edited by the BioNews Editors and feedabck given.

By the end of the course, the students will have acquired the following experience/skills:

• Critical reading and evaluation of media coverage of genetics, assisted conception and embryo/stem cell research, as well as related ethical, legal, social and policy issues.
• An understanding of the contrasting values of scientists and journalists, and the pressures faced by both in relation to science news coverage.
• Researching stories and checking accuracy by referring to press releases, original research papers, policy documents and reports.
• Summarising this information and prioritising key points.
• How to write an effective news story.
• Writing for a non-specialist audience, avoiding specialist jargon.
• Proofreading and editing skills.
• Writing copy to a weekly deadline.

Rachel says:

'The feedback I received on my writing was detailed, specific, and motivated me to improve. One particular skill I developed was how to decide what is important to include in a news story and what details can be left out – a crucial skill when writing for a non-specialist audience.

I have already tried to apply this skill when writing conference abstracts on my PhD work, and have subsequently had two abstracts accepted for presentation at international conferences. The scheme has developed my interest in science communication, and I now hope to pursue a career that involves this in some way.'

Jane says:

'The intended aims of the course were met entirely. It was a very enjoyable introduction to science news reporting. It helped with understanding how research becomes a news story, in particular the importance of the press release, and the relationship between researchers and journalists. It has made me think differently about science stories I see reported in the press.

All the editors gave constructive feedback in a way that I found helpful in trying to improve my work each week. The pre-reading materials were engaging and interesting and the induction day was both fun and educational.'

We are often asked to provide references for our Writing Scheme participants, and we keep in touch with many of them about the organisations where they go on to work after completing their PhD. The wide range of employers and roles illustrates the transferable skills that the course provides.

Writing Scheme participants have gone on to work at organisations including:

• Academy of Medical Sciences
• Cancer Research UK
• Genetic Alliance UK
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
• Nuffield Council on Bioethics

Here are some comments from Writing Scheme participants who decided to work outside the research lab after their PhD.

Greg says:

'The opportunity to write for BioNews as part of PET's Writing Scheme for UCL students gave me a great opportunity to develop my writing skills outside the academic context of my PhD. The scheme gave me an insight to the world of science communication, and also helped me keep informed of scientific advances outside my PhD field.

I am now training to be a patent attorney and feel that the writing skills I developed through the scheme are undoubtedly an asset in my job. As a patent attorney, I need to be able to clearly explain improvements in new technologies in the life sciences sector, and the Writing Scheme helped me develop this skill.

I would recommend the course to any students who are considering a career in science outside of academia.'

Kimberley says:

'One of the best things about the Writing Scheme is that PET and BioNews are names recognised by potential employers. The scheme definitely helped me secure my first job as a science writer, as at interview they asked me about some of the pieces that I had written. These stories that I had a good writing style, and that I could follow a style guide and work to deadlines. As I had continued as a Volunteer Writer for BioNews throughout my PhD, I also had a large number of articles in different areas showing that I could summarise complex ideas for a lay audience.

The skills that I have learned are still valuable several years into my career, as they have enabled me to quickly pick up new styles of writing, write news stories for lay audiences and know what makes a good press release. I am tremendously grateful to PET for giving me the opportunity to train with them.'