A lecturer from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Biological Sciences has temporarily joined the staff at a national newspaper. Dr Michael Wilson is working for The Scotsman newspaper, based in Edinburgh, where he is working with their Environment correspondent, Ian Johnston, for three weeks.
His work for The Scotsman will then continue, when he will attend the British Association's Festival of Science being held at the University of York between September 9 and 14. During this time he will continually be reporting for the newspaper.
Dr Wilson is the recipient of one of this year's British Association for the Advancement of Science Media Fellowships.
The BA Media Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, social scientists, clinicians and engineers. The scheme is also designed to help them communicate complex ideas to the public in simple, easy to use language.
The placements last from three to eight weeks during which an academic works with national newspapers, national broadcasters or internet journalists to learn how to produce accurate and well informed pieces about their subject and developments in science.
Dr Wilson is taking part in the scheme and beat off stiff competition. He said: "I'm proud and privileged to be recognised for doing something in teaching that is both innovative and extremely worthwhile."
Dr Wilson's research is becoming increasingly focused on the environmental impact of different kinds of agricultural and industrial practises, and the importance of sharing his research with the general public is huge.
He hopes the uses for the experience he gains from the Fellowship will not stop there. He said: "When I return to work, I will be giving lectures to final year students on communicating with the public, based on my experiences at The Scotsman."
The scheme's impact extends beyond the summer placement. After their placements fellows are better equipped to communicate their research and expertise to the public and their colleagues. Some go on to do freelancing as an add-on to their normal jobs, others incorporate science communication activities into their academic or professional work in science and engineering.
The Media Fellowships reflect the BA's commitment to work with the media to build understanding between science and society.