So you want to be a science broadcaster?

Many youngsters who have studied science hanker after a career in the media. Several courses have sprung up to satisfy this desire. But they cost.

The Wellcome Trust, which used to fund the ABSW's own scheme of student bursaries, has stepped into the breach with new Science Media Studentships.

In this case, the support will go to "practising biomedical scientists". They will have the opportunity to study for a postgraduate qualification in Science Media Production at Imperial College London and to follow this with a six-month placement working in the broadcast industry.

European Guide to Science Journalism Training

Buried at the bottom of the pages on the European Forum on Science Journalism: Barcelona, 3-4 December 2007 there is a link to the European Guide to Science Journalism Training. This has now reached a second edition.

When you look at this document, ignore the bit on page 141 about "student journalism
bursaries for science communication courses". This is one bit that they did not update. These bursaries sadly lapsed a few years ago when the Wellcome Trust declined to continue funding them.

Learn science journalism from the comfort of your home

The World Federation of Science Journalists has launched what is describes as "the world’s first online course in science journalism".

The WFSJ, working with the Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net), launched the new venture at “Science Journalism meets Science in Qatar,” hosted by the Aljazeera Network and Qatar Foundation from 3 to 9 February 2008.

The course itself consists of a series of eight modules, including interviewing, writing skills and "reporting on controversies". There are also some "self-teaching questions" and assignments for students.

Santa Fe Science Writing Workshop

It looks more like an activity holiday, with campfire folk singing thrown in, but the Santa Fe Science Writing Workshop certainly attract some eminent science hacks. They have now thrown open the doors for applications for next year's bash from 19 to 24 May.