Applications opening in 2026
The next IAO Media Academy will take place in Spring/Summer 2026. Applications will open in early 2026.
Questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch: media.academy@imperial.ac.uk
The Imperial As One Media Academy (IAO Media Academy) provides expert communications training for minority ethnic researchers who remain underrepresented in the media and wider public sphere.
This award-winning programme builds skills across a wide range of communications areas, including writing opinion pieces and blogs, media interview techniques, public engagement and influencing policy. Participants also gain practical experience in podcasting, video production and using social media to reach broader audiences.
Taking place annually, the IAO Media Academy is organised by a dedicated committee from Imperial's Faculty of Medicine, Communications Division and race equity network, Imperial As One. It is funded by Research England’s ‘Enhancing Research Culture’ award.
To date, 138 people have graduated from the IAO Media Academy, with many alumni featuring in national and international media outlets, appearing on podcasts and launching their own blogs. Find out what our graduates are saying and doing.
Tackling under-representation in STEM communication
Effective communication is essential for scientists to build public trust and showcase how science benefits people and society. But the voices that represent science in the public sphere are overwhelmingly White. This, coupled with the fact that Black academic staff make up only 1 per cent of professors in the UK, perpetuates the false perception that Black and minority ethnic researchers make little or no contribution to scientific discovery and research. The Media Academy exists to change that.
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