Acclaimed science-writer, journalist and broadcaster Peter Spinks, MA, will run a two-day science writing and outreach training workshop at the Royal Society of Victoria on September 23 and 30, 2016 (both Fridays).

This intensive course will benefit media and communications professionals at universities and research institutes, scientists, technologists and graduate students, who will learn the essential skills and strategies needed to convey your work to the media, government, research grant bodies and the general public.

The workshop will cover fundamental principles and “rules of the journalism game”, with hands-on training in preparing articles, features, media releases and illustrative material for many outlets. Channels include inhouse, local and international publications, and the digital media. In addition, the sessions will groom participants for science interviews by the print and broadcast media. Legal issues affecting researchers and the media will also be discussed.

Participants completing the course will have acquired a valuable skill set, including the confidence and media-savvy needed to liaise with journalists, project messages clearly and simply, and prepare successful media releases. Worked examples, reference materials and background notes will be provided. You will also receive a certificate of completion, endorsed by the Royal Society of Victoria.

Syllabus snapshot:

+ Science and the media: why bother?
+ Introduction to science journalism
+ Nosing out news
+ The media release
+ A-Z of science writing
+ Our digital world
+ The science interview
+ Going live
+ Every picture tells a story
+ Science writing and the law
+ Editing with ease
+ Science in action
+ Planning ahead
+ Bibliofile

A full workshop syllabus is available online. Book your place now from the form below.