ICB CDT Students Broadcast Their Science Skills at the BBC

First-year PhD students from the prestigious (ICB CDT) recently immersed themselves in the art of science communication during a two day workshop.

First-year PhD students from the prestigious Institute of Chemical Biology Centre for Doctoral Training (ICB CDT) recently immersed themselves in the art of science communication during an intensive two-day training course, ‘Science and Communication with the BBC’, run in partnership with the Analytical Science CDT at the University of Warwick.

Led by seasoned broadcaster Gareth Mitchell, the programme provided these aspiring researchers with a valuable toolkit to effectively engage wider audiences with their scientific expertise. From harnessing social media for outreach to producing engaging video content and mastering the nuances of audio communication, the course covered a diverse range of essential skills.

A standout moment was the students' visit to the BBC Radio Studios at Broadcasting House in London. There, they had the unique opportunity to step into the iconic Desert Island Discs radio studio to record their own podcasts, gaining firsthand experience of professional audio production. Workshops on video creation and social media strategy further enriched their understanding of digital engagement.

Beyond their BBC experience, the students also explored the world of museum curation with a visit to the Science Museum, deepening their appreciation of public engagement in scientific discourse.

"This course has been truly transformative," shared one participant. "Learning directly from experts and then creating our own podcast in a professional BBC studio was an incredible experience. It has given me the confidence and skills to share my research in exciting new ways."

The programme highlights ICB CDT’s dedication to shaping well-rounded scientists, researchers who not only excel in their fields but can also effectively communicate their findings to the wider world. By fostering these critical transferable skills, the CDT empowers its students to become future leaders, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding. Initiatives like these ensure that today’s researchers can confidently engage with the media, making science more accessible, compelling and impactful.