Daphne Vane Media Bursary Scheme

About the Award

This annual scheme is specifically tailored to train early-career researchers who wish to excel in the dissemination of scientific information through the media. In an age when the ability of scientists to communicate effectively with the public is more important than ever, we are delighted to offer a small number of bursaries each year for suitable, highly-motivated applicants who wish to develop these valuable skills.

If selected, you will benefit from a full day intensive media training course organised by Media First. This course takes place in a purpose-built media training centre near Reading in Berkshire and is delivered by working journalists to provide a highly realistic experience.

The training will include a segment on print media and will also introduce you to radio and TV studios to prepare you for broadcast media opportunities. You will learn the fundamentals of engaging with the media, how to get your messages right for the audience, tips for controlling and steering the conversation and handling challenging questions.

The John Vane Academy will cover the course fees along with reasonable travel expenses.

Eligibility

To enter this competition, you must:

be a current member of the John Vane Academy (JVA)*
be an early-career researcher**
study or work at one of the institutes within the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London AND
be primarily involved in one or more of the following fields of research: cardiovascular disease, inflammation or endocrine disorders (meeting WHRF's charitable purpose to support medical research in these specific areas)

* JVA membership is free. For details, please visit the JVA membership page HERE. The application form is available through the link at the bottom of the page.

** The JVA defines ‘early-career researchers’ as PhD students and postdoctoral scientists within five years of the award of their PhD or within eight years of their primary medical degree (exclusive of significant career breaks).

Further Details

The application deadline for this year's Daphne Vane Media Bursary Scheme has now passed. We plan to run it again in 2025, so watch this page and keep an eye out for e-Newsletters from your FMD institute.

This bursary scheme is made possible by the generosity of Lady Daphne Vane’s estate.

Curious about the studios? Visit the Media First website and see below for some photos from last year.

Daphne Vane Media Bursary 2023

The 2023 winners:

From WHRI - Hafiz Naderi ● Suzanne Eldridge ● Eriomina Shahaj

From BCI - Prerana Huddar ● Masia Maksymowicz

The BCI ladies learning the ropes in the podcast room

Sue's about to share her exciting research updates on a realistic radio interview

Eriomina preparing for tough questions in a television-style interview