A Career in ...
Science Communication
(Public Relations)

How did you get into science communication?
'I think it was a lucky accident. I attended a five-day residential course on personal development midway through my PhD. Afterwards I realised that if I was ever going to come across well during interviews then I had to practice speaking in public. Not long after I returned to the lab I saw an advert from NERC asking for PhD student volunteers to give a talk at something called the 'Stand up science show'. The show was part of the BA Festival of Science, which is the biggest UK science event for the general public. I'm not going to lie and say that I wasn't terrified of getting up in front of a packed theatre of 450 people, but once I'd given my talk I felt fantastic. Actually I think I got off lightly - one of the other students had to strip down to his boxer shorts! But it got me thinking that perhaps there were career options available to me other than research. I made it my priority during the remainder of my PhD to improve my communication skills, and get more experience in this area.'

How did you find the transition from lab based to administrative work?
'Although I enjoyed research, I had the feeling that I was never going to be a brilliant scientist. Perhaps a small part of me regretted that I would not be running experiments ever again, but I was happy being able to do a job that played to my strengths, and that I found really enjoyable.

What prompted your move to IAH?
'My time at SGM gave me a taste of what it was like to work with 'the media'. We had some good news coverage too, of which I was very proud. But when I saw the advert for the job at IAH I knew that I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by. The media profile of the Institute has been very high over the last couple of years, perhaps most notibly because of the UK foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2001, and our research on BSE and scrapie. Infectious diseases of farm animals are a continuing global problem, and as such research from IAH will always be of interest to the public, governments, and to the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. This was my chance to work more closely with scientists at the cutting edge of research, and also with journalists. But of course dealing with the press is not my only role. As communications officer I am responsible for organising exhibitions at public events such as the Royal Show, as well as the annual competition for schools. I was also given the mammoth task of re-designing the Institute's website, which I am happy to say is now on-line.'

What qualities make a successful science PR professional?
'Being able to write (and speak) in plain English is a must. I would say the vast majority of scientific papers are inaccessible to the general public, and even to scientists from other disciplines. So the ability to 'translate' papers into a more accessible form is essential. Dealing with the press on a regular basis means that it is vital that you can work to short deadlines. Journalists usually need information before the end of the day, and you never know when they are going to call!You definitely have to be a 'people person'. I think it is important that, as well as being out-going, you listen to what people have to say. Above all I would say that you have to be dedicated. Science communication is a growing industry, and there are a number of MSc courses available now, so competition for jobs in this area is growing.'