Back Back

Academic secures media fellowship place with leading science organisation

23/04/2020

A University of Wolverhampton academic has secured a fellowship place with a leading science organisation.

Dr Martin Khechara won the place on the British Science Association’s (BSA) Media Fellowship scheme for 2020 after applying for the award. Following a selection process that included an application and an interview, Dr Khechara was chosen for this year’s Fellowship. The place has been sponsored by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

The British Science Association is a charity and learned society founded in 1831 to aid in the promotion and development of science.

The British Science Association’s Media Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for practicing scientists, clinicians and engineers to spend two to six weeks working at the heart of a media outlet such as The Guardian, BBC Breakfast or Sky News.

Dr Khechara will have the chance to be selected to work within the media later this year to gain an understanding of how the media works and to collaborate on stories with journalists. As well as undertaking the media placement, Dr Khechara will also take part in presenting at the British Science Festival. It is then hoped that he will be involved in future news stories promoting biomedical science. 

He said: “I am delighted to be able to support the Institute's public engagement efforts as a British Science Association (BSA) Media Fellow. Public engagement with biomedical science is so important, especially in the current climate, and I hope that my new position and skills in science communication can support biomedical scientists to better promote the vital job they do in NHS trusts across the country.

“To be given this opportunity is the culmination of many years of developing myself as a public engagement specialist for STEM and to say that I am excited and proud is just not enough words! I would just like to say a massive thank you to the IBMS and the BSA for giving me this opportunity. I’ll do you proud I promise!” 

Dr Khechara is a microbiologist who has previously worked at Porton Down and is now a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Wolverhampton. The selectors felt that he gave strong answers about how he would use the experience to benefit colleagues and collaborators, and on how he would adapt to the new workplace.

ENDS

 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

Share this release

Related Stories