From Frances Downey at Sense About Science. May be of interest.

This event is open to early career researchers working in the biological sciences and bioengineering (post-doctoral fellows or equivalent in first job, and post-graduate students) and will be held on Friday 18th May 2007 in London.

Are you passionate about your research?
Do you think it is important for the good science and evidence to be communicated to a wider audience?

What can you do about misconceptions and misinformation about
science?

Sessions:
Science in the media: What happens when research announcements go wrong; statistics are manipulated; risk factors are distorted; or the discussions become polarised?

Speakers: Dr Stephen Minger, Director of KCL’s Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Dr Steve Keevil, Consultant Physicist in MRI, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

What journalists are looking for: How do journalists approach stories? Balance the need for news and entertainment with reporting science? And deal with accusations of polarising debates and misrepresenting the facts?

Speakers: Alok Jha, The Guardian, Fiona MacRae, Daily Mail, Rachael Buchanan, BBC 10 O’clock news

Standing up for science; the nuts and bolts: What is there for early career researchers to play for?
Not yet the leaders in the field what can you do to encourage good science and evidence in the public domain? This session offers practical guidance for early career researchers to get their voices heard in debates about science, including how to talk about the status of research (peer review); how to respond to bad science when you see it; and top tips for if you come face-to-face with a journalist!

Speakers: Dr Chris Tyler, Sense About Science, Dr Claire Bithell, Science Media Centre

These workshops are very popular and there are only 35 places available. Please apply with a CV and covering letter explaining your reason for applying to Frances Downey: email fdowney – at – senseaboutscience.org or post to Sense About Science, 60 Cambridge Street, London, SW1V 4QQ.
The closing date for applications is Friday 13th April 2007

For further information visit www.senseaboutscience.org/VoYS or call on 020 7478 4380.