-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on the public understanding of science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tanya Lake
Sent: 26 May 2004 14:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Awards and encouragement
Quoting mk <[log in to unmask]>:
> As one of the "peer reviewers" for the EPSRC scheme on public awareness, I
> have seen proposals from "experienced" communicators and newcomers.
> The schemes run by the research councils are open to all comers. Indeed,
the
> EPSRC has recently gone out of its way to encourage engineers with no
> previous experience to join in the fun.
> Having said that, as a reviewer I would expect to see at least some
evidence
> that the person seeking funds had exhibited at least a bit of enthusiasm
for
> communication. This does not have to be an expensive project - a list of
> talks given, articles written or web pages presented.
The biggest problem I find being a post-doc doing various bits of
communications
work - is that if I want to forward my career in academia I need research,
research and more research. Anything that doesn't lead to papers can be
considered to be detrimental to that. Short term contracts with further
contracts based on passed research activity mean that time spent on my
science
communications work acts against my ability to get further contracts. Until
such time as I get a permanent position I can't consider going for a science
communications grant which doesn't allow for a salary to be a part of it
since
I'd be effectively shooting myself in the foot. Couple that with the
shortage
of jobs in Science Communication and sometimes I wonder why I bother! (But
most
of the time the enthusiasm of the kids works wonders ;) )
Tanya
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I don't know if it still happens, but one way in which research students and
post docs can get loot and hone their communication skills is to earn money
from writing about science.
At one stage, such people were the workhorses on the science news section at
New Scientist. Maybe the magazine's move towards the more pop end of science
news means that they don't take copy from researchers these days. But you
may find someone out there who does pay. In particular, look at web sites
that you like. Some web sites have budgets for contributors.
MK
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