IAO Media Academy
The Imperial As One Media Academy (IAOMA) offers expert media training for minority ethnic staff and students. The initiative is a collaboration between the College Communications team and Imperial As One, and is funded and supported by the EDI Centre.
The 2023 Academy is now open for enrollment!
More details and timings are below. To enrol, please log in to ICIS, select 'My Training' and search for 'Media Academy'. If the course is full, please email equality@imperial.ac.uk to be put on the waiting list.
Training overview
The Imperial As One Media Academy offers skills development in professional writing, handling journalist interviews, and influencing policy. You also learn practical skills in podcasting, video and using social media to engage with your audience.
Each session will take approximately half a day.
Cancellations
Those enrolling on IAOMA are expected to attend all the sessions of the programme. 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. If registrants miss three of the sessions, we reserve the right to remove them from the programme.
Column Block 1-3
Media training for journalist interviews
Details: 09:30 – 12:30, 18 October 2023
IN PERSON: Grantham Institute Boardroom, South Kensington campus
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)
You will also hear from the Imperial press office on how to get involved in media work.
Trainer(s): Elizabeth Bananuka is the founder of BME PR Pros & Blueprinted.
Social media
Details: 9:00-12:00, 24 October 2023, 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 Philippa Skett and Aisha Aldris from Imperial’s Social Media and Video team.
Powerful words
Details: 10:00 – 12:00, 8 November 2023, online
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
How to use video
Details: 9:00 - 11:00, 23 November 2023, 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.
Introduction to podcasting
Details: 14:00 – 16:00, 23 November 2023, 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): Mathilda Mallinson and Helena Wadia, creators and hosts of the Media Storm podcast; and Hayley Dunning, Imperial College Podcast producer.
Public affairs and policy
Details: 13:00 – 16:00, followed by social from 16:00 – 18:00, 6 December 2023
IN PERSON: Room TBC
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 and get in the Christmas spirit!
Trainer(s): Imperial College London The Forum team