About
Welcome to ScienceWrite - A mentoring scheme for aspiring Science (STEM) writers.
Please note, applications for 2024 are now CLOSED. Please sign up to our newsletter for updates for future opportunites.
The ScienceWrite Programme, supported by the Royal Society, aims to help early-stage science writers from minoritised backgrounds - based in the UK - to advance their professional development. If you have an idea for a book, an article for a journal, a blog, or another writing project and need some intel and support, you've come to the right place!
At ScienceWrite we think of 'science' in the broadest possible terms, including technology, engineering, mathematics, health, climate, sustainability, the history of science and so on.
We want to create a community of writers that can support each other and encourage our writers to work with their cohort throughout the programme.
Founders
This grassroots initiative was co-founded and now run by engineer/author/broadcaster Roma Agrawal, and illustrator/science communicator Hana Ayoob. We wanted to shake up the science writing world and are thrilled to be running our second cohort in 2024.
The Programme
The programme comprises an in-person event, and four follow up virtual sessions. Attendees will hear from industry experts, agents, editors, journalists, other writers, and have multiple opportunities to get feedback on their work.
Previous speakers include: Camilla Pang, Isabel Thomas, Angela Saini, Kirty Topiwala, Patrick Walsh, Anna Demming, Amy Arthur, Shivani Dave, Anjana Ahuja, Anjana Khatwa, Anna Ploszajski, Mun Keat Looi, Mark Miodownik and many more.
Applications are now open and the deadline: 2pm on Monday 18 December.
Applicants
We welcome applications from aspiring and early-career science writing folks from minoritised groups, including (but not limited to) people who are:
* BAME / BIPOC / Minoritised ethnic
* Disabled and/or chronically ill
* from Disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds
* Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + (LGBTQIA+)
* from Marginalised genders
* have Mental health challenges
* Neurodiverse
* Any other self-defined minoritisation
You must be based in the UK and over 18 years of age.
Apply
Applications are now CLOSED for our 2024 cohort. Please sign up for updates for our plans for 2025.
2023 attendee
“Roma and Hana have been absolute lights of confidence boosting and support, and honesty for the group.”
2023 attendee
The panel sessions were super. I loved the areas covered. I love the feedback sessions and how it was handled. I loved speaking with different people and it was inspiring all the way.
2023 attendee
“Before joining the group, scientific writing seemed like more of a hobby, but I think there could
actually be a viable route for me.”
FAQs
I’m based outside the UK, can I still apply or access the scheme in other ways?
No, all applicants need to be based in the UK. We are unable to share resources or content with anyone outside of the group of mentees
Do I need a detailed project plan to apply?
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to write or what format you’re working on but we do find that mentees with a clear idea at the beginning of the programme get the most out of it, even if this idea changes! Try to spend some time thinking about what you want to get out of the scheme - do you want to write a feature length article? Do you want to write about a particular area of science? Do you want to work on a book proposal? Where are you now and where would you like to be by the end of 2024?
I want to improve my writing skills, is this scheme for me?
There are aspects of the course designed to improve your writing skills including some sessions at the kickoff meeting as well as giving and receiving feedback on writing pieces. However, this is not a writing course and is primarily aimed at getting you comfortable and confident pitching article ideas or writing a book proposal.
What do you mean by ‘early-stage’?
Someone who has not published a book for a lay audience, and who has no/limited experience of science journalism. This scheme is aimed at giving you the tools and confidence to pitch articles or write a book proposal.
Get in Touch
If you have questions about applying, please fill in the form and we'll get back to you when we can.