Professor Monica Lakhanpaul awarded BSA Media Fellowship

As a 2020/21 British Science Association (BSA) Media Fellow, Professor Monica Lakhanpaul (UCL GOS Institute of Child Health) will be working at the heart of the BBC in their radio broadcasting unit, bridging the communication gap between scientists and journalists.

Now more than ever, scientists and journalists need to work together to improve the quality and accessibility of science stories in the press. This is what the BSA Fellowship aims to facilitate by providing a unique opportunity for practising scientists and clinicians to spend up to six weeks working in a media organisation.

This round of the scheme comes at a crucial time when effective science communication is essential. With thorough research, strong relationships and open communication, this year's BSA Media Fellows will help enable more people to understand the science affecting their daily lives, during the pandemic and beyond.

Professor Lakhanpaul's expertise in population health and interdisciplinary interventions that encompass health, environment, education and the creative arts in the UK and globally will feed into her media placement. As well as contributing to the work of the BBC and engaging a global audience, she will use the opportunity to help UCL tell its global story better. 

Professor Lakhanpaul said: "I am proud and honoured to have been selected to be the first GEO-sponsored BSA Media Fellow. I look forward to learning how to work more closely with journalists and the media, helping to close the gap between science and society."

Other UCL academics in this year’s cohort of BSA Media Fellows include Dr Priti Parikh (UCL Engineering) who is placed with New Scientist, Dr Jerone Andrews (UCL Engineering) who is placed with BBC Future and Dr Richard Colchester (UCL Engineering) who is placed with WIRED UK.

Further information:

• Professor Monica Lakhanpaul academic profile
• Introducing the 2020 BSA Media Fellows
• BSA Media Fellowship

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