Posted on behalf of Dr Stephen Bass. Please send all replies to [log in to unmask]
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Dear writer,
We are looking for writers to be part of a Foresight science writer pool, to provide services for specific Foresight projects. A description of Foresight and the requested services are provided in the attached Specification. Please contact me for the full documentation, which describes selection criteria and format for bids.
Best Regards,
Steve
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Dr Stephen Bass,
Project Manager,
Exploiting the Electromagnetic Spectrum,
Foresight Directorate,
Department of Trade and Industry,
Bay 5117,
1 Victoria Street,
London SW1H 0ET.
www.foresight.gov.uk
Tel : 020 7215 6738
Fax: 020 7215 0054
Office of Science and Technology, Foresight Directorate
Specification for science writing services (science writer pool)
Foresight is seeking science writers to be part of a 'pool' whose members may be called in to support specific foresight projects. The concept is for one writer to specialise on a particular Foresight project, providing services as detailed here.
The objective of this work will be to support the work of Foresight by assisting in the dissemination and production of outputs to ensure consistent, high quality and intelligible written material. This will include summarising outputs from a Foresight project into a form understandable by non-scientists and other target audiences, and will require someone skilled in this art.
The second major strand of this role will be to identify and capitalise on media opportunities to help publicise a Foresight project to target audiences. This is key to success in creating enduring networks to ensure the legacy of Foresight projects.
Specifically, this work will include:
* Editing and summarising reports, such as 'state of the science' reviews, in a short form readable by non-scientists;
* Editing the outputs from workshops and meetings as necessary;
* Contributing to the success of Foresight events - including preparation of pre-event material and editing of outputs, as well as attendance as necessary;
* Writing and/or editing reports (including final reports) as necessary;
* Identification and advice on media opportunities, preparation and advice on press notices;
* Support for development of project communications strategies.
In accordance with the standard terms and conditions of the DTI (see Annex B), copyright of material produced under this contract will be retained by the DTI.
Management
Once selected, writers will remain in the writers pool for a period of one year, renewable by agreement from both parties. Services for an individual project are expected to be required over a period of 12 to 18 months, at up to one day per week. We would hope to give two months notice before the start of a new Foresight project.
Writers will liase with the Project Leader and nominated staff of the project that they are involved with.
Timing
The services of a science writer will first be required by the Exploiting the Electromagnetic Spectrum project, which started in March 2003. The services of the writer will be utilised from late December 2003 or early January 2004. Details of this and subsequent Foresight projects are given in Annex A to this document, and the Foresight website at <http://www.foresight.gov.uk>.
Background - New Foresight
Foresight is an Office of Science and Technology programme led by Sir David King (Chief Scientific Adviser to Government). This is a science and technology focussed programme which aims to produce challenging visions of the future to ensure effective strategies now.
A new 'rolling' programme of projects of 12-18 months duration was adopted by Foresight in early 2003 to ensure priority areas are addressed as they arise either from social 'pull' or technology 'push' factors.
The science writer would work as part of a team, consisting of Foresight staff and science experts, working on a particular project. As such, the writer would be expected to become familiar with the subject material of a project, attending key workshops and management meetings, and working to the timetable of a project for delivery of work.
Outputs
Expected outputs include:
* Media strategy;
* Articles;
* State of the science review summaries;
* Economic reviews and final reports (this role will vary between projects - for some this will be an editing role, for some the lead writing role, and for others the need may be to write an executive summary).
Selection criteria
Criteria for selection of writers include:
* A track record for editing and writing science articles;
* Evidence of successful publishing, and networks of press contacts of relevance to a project;
* Demonstrated ability to communicate in the areas of science covered by a project
Institute of Physics
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