Contact Us
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The Imperial As One Media Academy (IAOMA) offers expert media training for minority ethnic staff and PhD students. It is primarily for research and academic staff, but others, such as those with communications as part of their role, will be considered.
The programme offers skills development in a range of communications areas such as writing opinion pieces and blogs, media training, and influencing policy. You will also learn practical skills in podcasting, video and using social media to engage with your audience. The sessions will be delivered by external and internal communications trainers.
The Academy is designed as a full course comprising six sessions, short reflection exercises and a piece of homework. All sessions should be attended in order to 'graduate' as part of a celebration and networking event at the end.
Not sure whether the Academy is for you? Check out testimonials from previous participants.
Enrollment for the 2024 Media Academy is now closed.
The IAOMA is a collaboration between Imperial’s Communications Division and race equality network - Imperial As One. It is funded and supported by the EDI Centre and Research England’s ‘Enhancing Research Culture’ award.
More details and timings about each of the sessions are below.
Cancellations: Those enrolling on IAOMA are expected to attend all the sessions of the programme and complete reflection exercises. If you cannot attend any session of the programme, you must email equality@imperial.ac.uk as soon as possible. Please give us at least five working days’ notice if you are unable to attend a session. We reserve the right to remove no-shows from the programme.
Tackling under-representation in STEM communication poster
We presented a poster about the IAO Media Academy at the AdvanceHE Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2024: The future is now: Building EDI practice for the changing world of HE.
See our poster [D1P6] Tackling under-representation in STEM communication: Where are the experts that look like me? (PDF).
Session details
Column Block 1-3
Media training for journalist interviews
Details: 09:45 – 13:00, 12 March 2024
IN PERSON: Institute of Cancer Research, Old Brompton Road
Summary: Build confidence and skills to become a key media player/communicator. This session will cover media work and will include practical sessions and interview practice.
In this session you will learn about:
- How the media operates
- Practical tips for talking to the media and journalist interviews
- Communicating your key messages
- Handling sensitive questions
- Keeping interviews on track (e.g., talk about my research, not race)
Trainer(s): Elizabeth Bananuka is the founder of BME PR Pros & Blueprinted.
Social media
Details: 10:00-12:00, 21 March 2024
Online
Summary: Learn how to get the most out of social media in a personal-professional setting: from which platforms to choose and cutting through the noise to positioning yourself as an expert and staying safe online.
In this session you will learn about:
- What is social media (really)?
- The platforms and what they are for
- Managing the information overload
- Trolls and other undesirables
- How to post better and become an influencer
Trainer(s): Mun-Keat Looi, International Features Editor at the BMJ and former Social Media Lead at Wellcome Trust; and Martha Salhotra from Imperial’s Social Media and Video team.
Powerful words
Details: 10:00 – 12:00, 15 April 2024
IN PERSON: Imperial College London (room TBC)
Summary: Gain skills in crafting powerful words to carry your messages to a wide range of audiences. Learn how to translate your science into news articles, blog posts and editorials/opinion pieces.
In this session you will learn about:
- How to write good copy
- The different types of writing formats
- What journalists and editors look for in commentaries and opinion pieces
You will also be set practical tasks and get feedback from the trainer .
Trainer(s): Meera Senthilingam is an Editor for CNN As Equals, and health journalism trainer and mentor for the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Her book 'Outbreaks and Epidemics: Battling infection from measles to coronavirus' was published in 2020.
Col 4-6
Introduction to podcasting
Details: 10:00 – 12:00, 26 April 2024
Online
Summary: Whether you are interested in appearing on podcasts or have had an idea for starting one yourself, they are an excellent way to reach a dedicated audience and demonstrate your expertise.
In this session you will learn:
- The benefits of appearing on and creating podcasts
- How podcasts are put together
- Key considerations when starting a podcast
- Interview techniques
- How to get involved with the Imperial College Podcast, and what support the College can offer
You will also have the chance to test your interviewer and interviewee skills.
Trainer(s): Imriel Morgan is the founder and CEO of Content is Queen and the host of the award-winning Wanna Be Podcast.
How to use video
Details: 14:00 - 15:30, 26 April 2024
Online
Summary: The ubiquity of smartphones means anyone can make a video, but how can you make the best video and use it to promote your research?
In this session you will learn:
- What to consider before filming
- Simple technical tricks to get the best shots
- How to plan and edit a video
- What equipment you can use to enhance your video
You will also practice filming a short video clip of yourself and get feedback from the instructor.
Trainer(s): Ben Anderson is the Director of Ursus Productions.
Public affairs and policy
Details: 14:00 - 16:30, 16 May 2024
IN PERSON: Imperial College London, SALC 10
Summary: The Forum training session aims to demystify government and Parliament by explaining how to engage successfully with policymakers.
During the session, you will:
- Gain an improved understanding of the governmental landscape and key players.
- Hear about the policymaking process.
- Learn practical tips for engaging with Parliament and the Civil Service.
As the last session of the programme, this will be followed by a social so you can celebrate with your fellow trainees!
Trainer(s): Imperial College London The Forum team