Our partners
their comments on Standing up for Science
Here you can find out about the organisations that supported the development of this guide and why they think it is important to get involved. We would like to thank all of them for their help during the production of Standing up for Science, a process in which they have been actively involved commenting on drafts of the guide, design and content, as well as financial support.
The Biochemical Society
The Biochemical Society is the largest UK Society active in the Life Sciences and a major UK publisher of scientific journals. Their mission is to promote Molecular and Cellular Bioscience and, especially, to support younger scientists who are embarking on their careers.
“The advances that have been made in the molecular biosciences in recent years have opened up new research areas and have the potential to bring great benefit to the Biosphere and all that inhabit it. At the same time, these advances are coming under increasing scrutiny by the press and public. It is important that today’s scientists can stand up to explain and defend their research, both in the media and to a lay audience. The Biochemical Society believes that training to accomplish these ends should be available to all young scientists. That is why we are proud to be associated with Standing up for Science.”
Dr Chris Kirk, Chief Executive, The Biochemical Society
Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services and part of Reed Elsevier Group plc. Working in partnership with the global science and health communities, Elsevier’s 7,000 employees in over 70 offices worldwide publish more than 2,000 journals and 1,900 new books per year, in addition to offering a suite of innovative electronic products, such as ScienceDirect, MD Consult, Scopus, bibliographic databases, and online reference works.
“Not surprisingly, the original media advice in the Standing up for Science guide for young scientists is relevant across the entire career spectrum. We’re happy to report that Sense About Science has made yet another excellent contribution to the prominence of good science in the mainstream media.”
Adrian Mulligan, Elsevier’s Associate Director, Research & Academic Relations.
The Physiological Society
Founded in 1876, The Physiological Society is a learned society with approximately 2,500 members drawn from over 50 countries. The majority of the members are engaged in research, in universities or industry, into how the body works. The Society’s main aims are to promote the advancement of physiology and to facilitate communication, both between scientists and with other stakeholders. To achieve these objectives, the Society supports scientific meetings, publishes two journals and awards grants to allow members to travel and collaborate. Interaction with outside bodies is encouraged through representation on various councils and committees, educational activities, and active membership of the Biosciences Federation.
“The Physiological Society recognises the importance for effective science communication, of encouraging our young scientists to talk to the media, and therefore to the general public, about their research and scientific issues of interest to the community at large. The Society, like many of its sister Learned Societies, provides Communication Skills training for our young members. We hope that the Guide will whet our young scientists’ appetites and encourage them to get involved with our Society in this important area”.
Elizabeth Bell, Deputy Executive Secretary / Head of External Affairs, The Physiological Society
The Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) is the UK’s leading professional body for astronomy and astrophysics, geophysics, solar and solar-terrestrial physics, and planetary sciences. The RAS organises scientific meetings, publishes research and review journals. The Society also awards grants and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports educational activities and lobbies government. Its central London premises are available for the use of its Fellows.
“In this day of mass communication, there have never been so many sources of scientific information. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that these sources of information are reliable or authoritative. The only way to redress the balance is to encourage scientists to explain their research and the implications of this research for society. The RAS considers that it is vital for our future that the next generation of scientists should be willing and able to contribute to public discussion of science.”
Peter Bond, Press Officer, The Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales. It also regulates pharmacy technicians on a voluntary basis, which is expected to become statutory under anticipated legislation. The primary objectives of the Society are to lead, regulate, develop and represent the profession of pharmacy.
“The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is delighted to support the “Standing up for Science” guide. Science is increasingly in the news and it is important for scientists to be confident about making their voice heard through the media. The scientist’s perspective on a news story can bring clarity and help further the public’s understanding of important and complex issues. This practical guide is full of tips and encouragement and I welcome its publication.”
Professor Stephen Denyer, Chairman of the RPSGB Science Committee
The Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a network of 43,000 members worldwide and an internationally acclaimed publishing business, its activities span education and training, conferences and science policy, and the promotion of the chemical sciences to the public.
“Communicating research is crucial for all scientists - but being able to communicate well to the media needs a whole new set of skills that aren’t taught to young scientists. The RSC is delighted to sponsor this guide which will give them insight into the media and how to get their message across.”
Dr Rachel Brazil, Manager, Science Policy Communications, The Royal Society of Chemistry
Science Careers.org
Science Careers.org is a global online career magazine published by the research journal Science. The site offers career management tools, articles from Next Wave - the editorial voice of science careers, news, workshops and jobs for scientists.
“We were keen to support the Standing up For Science guide as it will provide a much-needed resource for early career researchers - a target group for our magazine. Dealing with the media is a topic that is rarely addressed at the grass roots level of science and the guide will give a valuable insight into how the media works which can only serve to help and encourage scientists to communicate about their work to a wider audience.”
Seema Sharma, European Programme Director, Science Careers.org
The Society for Applied Microbiology
The Society for Applied Microbiology is the voice of Applied Microbiology within the UK. SfAM works in partnership with sister organisations and microbiological bodies to ensure that microbiology and microbiologists are able to exert influence on policy-makers within the UK, in Europe and world-wide. The Society plays a leading role in working with many different organisations to educate, inform and support the training of our future microbiologists.
The Society for General Microbiology
The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) was founded in 1945 to bring together scientists involved in all areas of microbiology. It holds international scientific meetings and publishes cutting edge research findings through its four journals. SGM also advances microbiology in many other ways through grants, prize lectures and educational activities and its high profile role in UK and international biological organisations. The Society is particularly active in promoting the science and profession of microbiology to government, the media and the general public.
“With so many scientific issues in the headlines affecting not only our own well-being but that of the planet, it has never been more important for scientists to interact pro-actively with the media. The sooner in their career that scientists get into the habit of speaking out to the press, the better. The Society for General Microbiology is therefore delighted to support this guide, which seeks to encourage early-career scientists to communicate enthusiastically and clearly to the media about their work.”
Janet Hurst, Deputy Executive Secretary, External Relations & Grants Manager, Society for General Microbiology
Last updated: June 28 2007
