Science Communications and Journalism

Introductory Resources

• What is Science Communication, and the value of a PhD in that field, R. Irion, MolBiolCell, 2017 (career areas, key assets PhDs bring to SciComm roles, sectors and employer types).
• Career story: from a PhD in biomedical sciences to Science Journalism, Biomed Central blog article.
• Careers in Science Communication, 1-hour panel discussion.
• Careers in Science Communication, 1-hour Scismic panel discussion.
• Online Journalists – general info, job description, skills…, BU Vault.
• SciComm 101 – A guide for newbies and a list of career areas, UC Davis (SciComm 101 12-min video).

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Job Simulations are job-related tasks that can be completed in a few hours, to help you assess how enjoyable and how much of a good fit a specific job could be for you. Intersect Job Simulations have been created by PhDs for PhDs, to support their career transitions into a wide range of careers. To make the most of job simulations, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Job Simulation – Creating a Science Podcast.
• Job Simulation – Journalism – Interviewing experts.
• Job simulation – Freelance Science Journalist.
• Job Simulation – Journalism – Freelancing.
• Job Simulation – Journal Editing.
• Job Simulation – Journal Editing, Triaging Papers.
• Job Simulation – Science journalism – Fact Checking.
• Job Simulation – Writing a General Audience Article.
• Job Simulation – Digital Publishing – Fact Checking.
• Access tools and articles on how to turn your science into a story, Science Through Story, LLC.
• Consider attending a ComSciCon workshop. Multiple science writing and communication workshops are hosted across the US (apply in March/April to attend the ComSciCon-Flagship workshop in Boston/Cambridge in July, or apply in July to attend ComSciCon workshops in other US locations in the Fall).
• Consider taking the BU COM Graduate Certificate in Civic Science Communication if you are particularly interested in communicating to a broad audience (free for all BU graduate students).
• Consider joining the BU Biological Design Center Comm Lab or interact with members of Boston-based Comm Labs.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Explore Science Communication Fellowships:
  • AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering 10-week Fellowship.
  • Boehringer Ingelheim Postdoc Fellowship in Medical Affairs and Scientific Communication.
  • Career fellowship opportunities in Science Journalism and Writing, Science Literacy Foundation.
  • Explore a Science Communication Internship at Research!America.
• Explore and connect with members of the following professional societies:
  • Association of Science Communicators.
  • Council for the Advancement of Science Writing.
  • International Science Writers Association.
  • National Association of Science Writers.
  • Capital Science Communicators (California SciComm Community).
  • Cosplay for Science – A SciComm Initiative.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you (e.g., SciComm Success) will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.
  • Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
  • Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
  • The Social Scientist enables early-career researchers to connect with folks who have transitioned in various career areas – connect with mentors in outreach and connect with mentors in communications and writing.
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.