About the workshops

The VoYS Standing up for Science media workshops encourage early career researchers to get their voices heard in public debates about science. During the workshops we discuss concerns about speaking to the public and confront misconceptions about how the media works.  

 The workshops consist of three sessions:

• Science and the media: drawing on the experiences of our panel of scientists, the participants discuss their fears and the barriers to communicating science to the public, including what happens when research announcements go wrong, statistics are manipulated, risk factors are distorted, or the discussions become polarised.

• What journalists are looking for: a panel of journalists discuss how they approach stories, balancing the need for news and entertainment with reporting science, and the portrayal of science including polarising debates and misrepresenting the facts.

• Standing up for science – the nuts and bolts: the audience considers what is there for early career researchers to play for? Not yet the leaders in the field what can they do to encourage good science and evidence in the public domain?

The VoYS workshops are partnered by universities, professional and learned societies and other research organisations. Participants often write articles about the workshops for partner magazines and newsletters. 

• Applications now open: 'Standing up for Science' media workshop at the Society of Biology in London on Friday 14th June. See the workshop flyer for further details and how to apply. Applications close 31st May 2013.

• VoYS is calling for supermarkets to put evidence at the heart of their policies. Read more about the ask for evidence 'negative claims' campaign or for details on how you can get involved email Victoria.

• The most recent Standing up for Science media workshop was on 15th March at the University of Manchester. See photos and comments from the day.

• Want to join the VoYS network? You can sign up here.