Media Training Writing Retreat
Following the success of our inaugural Emerging Research Leaders Programme (ERLP) workshop on policy engagement in January 2024, this year’s retreat was delivered in collaboration with Scottish Media Training and focused on media engagement.
ERLP is a skills development programme for early career researchers (ECRs). Built around annual training workshops, the programme aims to support participants in developing skills that will increase the impact of their work and enable them to become future research leaders.
On 27-29 January, SRAEHL welcomed 15 ECRs from across Scottish higher educational institutions to The Burn, a beautiful country estate in the Highland Glen of North-Eastern Scotland. The aim of the retreat was to support participants in developing skills and confidence in different areas of media engagement.
The first day began with a theoretical approach. Participants explored historical and contemporary media landscapes and reflected critically on the role of media engagement in research, and the importance of clear and concise messaging. The second part of the training required hands-on skills development. All our participants got to take part in mock live, pre-recorded and press interviews, under careful guidance of experienced journalists.
“Media engagement plays a critical role in achieving research impact, and yet – it rarely forms a part of core training in academia” – said Dr Emilka Skrzypek, who leads the programme. “ERLP was set up to address precisely such training gaps, and support Scotland’s early career researchers in developing practical skills that will help them increase visibility and impact of their work, and connect their academic research to real-life scenarios”.
This is what our participants had to say about their experience at The Burn:
“The media training event was an excellent experience and hugely valuable to my work at this stage in my academic and professional career. The skills, expertise and support of the trainers was fantastic.“
“Attending the workshop really boosted my confidence not only in media engagement but also in a wider context of working professionally.“
“The workshop, with experienced trainers, provided valuable insights, practical tools, and a supportive environment to connect with others across different fields. It helped us develop skills like how to speak about our research effectively, which was challenging but fascinating, especially when preparing for potential TV and radio interviews.“
“It was a journey of self discovery.”
The ERLP is open to early career researchers of all disciplines affiliated with Scottish Higher Education institutions, whose research work is aligned with the aims of the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods.
Next year’s workshop will focus on public engagement, with applications opening in late 2025. Sign up to our mailing list to hear the latest updates on the retreat and other Alliance events and activities.
Learn more about our Emerging Research Leaders Programme here.
