A black and white inked drawing, of a type writer with ScienceWrite written on it and a piece of paper coming out of it with a brain drawn on it.

Welcome to ScienceWrite

A mentoring scheme for aspiring Science (STEM) Writers

About

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.

This grassroots initiative was co-founded and now run by engineer/author/broadcaster Roma Agrawal, and illustrator/science communicator Hana Ayoob. In 2025 Roma and Hana will be supported by Elizabeth Mills. We wanted to shake up the science writing world - having run cohorts in 2023 and 2024, we are thrilled to be running our next cohort in 2025!

The Team

The programme comprises an in-person event, and six 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.

Application Deadline for the 2025 cohort: 10am on 3rd January 2025.

The Programme

We welcome applications from aspiring and early-career science writing folks from minoritised groups, including (but not limited to) people who are:

Applicants

  • 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 open for our 2025 cohort.

Apply using the form - here

Deadline for applications is 10am 3rd January 2025.

If you have any questions about the application process, please get in touch via the contact form below.

Sign up for Email Updates

For updates and interest in future cohorts

  • “Roma and Hana have been absolute lights of confidence boosting and support, and honesty for the group.”

    2023 Attendee

  • "ScienceWrite managed to be such an inclusive, diverse, open-hearted, and empathetic experience"

    2024 Attendee

  • "The entire programme was an incredible experience and I did not expect to grow as much as I did as a writer thanks to everyone's feedback in the process"

    2024 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.”

    2023 Attendee

  • "I've now met a lovely community of science writers that are happy to proofread and give feedback on my ongoing scientific articles. This will really help with becoming a better science writer at work'

    2024 Attendee

  • "ScienceWrite has made an immeasurable difference to both my confidence in my own work, and my ability to take my own writing seriously."

    2024 Attendee

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 2025? 

 

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.

Can you apply is you have previously published scientific journalism articles?

Yes and please let us know your past writing experience in the relevant section in the application form.

Do you have to pay to be part of the scheme?

Thanks of the support of the Royal Society there is no cost to participate in the scheme.

Get in Touch

If you have questions about applying, please fill in the form and we'll get back to you when we can.