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Engaging with the Media

This short course is designed for geoscientists with little to no experience engaging with the media. It will offer an overview of how the media landscape in the UK functions, allowing participants to consider whether the media is a useful or valuable tool for their communications goals. It will offer practical advice and preparatory techniques for navigating pitching, constructing and adapting scientific content for various media formats. It aims to provide participants with the confidence to evaluate and act on opportunities and know where and when to seek support.

The session is particularly suitable for new and aspiring managers or those looking to refine their stakeholder management skills. Whilst the workshop will include case studies from geoscience workplaces, the techniques shared are appropriate to all.

The session will enable you to:

Understand how the media functions, including the roles of journalists, editors, copywriters, presenters, researchers, and producers.
Identify and evaluate the benefits and risks of media engagement.
Assess which audiences and media outlets best support your communication objectives.
Adapt scientific messages and stories for different formats, audiences and editorial requirements.
Respond effectively to questions while communicating uncertainty responsibly.
Prepare for possible challenges, including misrepresentation, harassment, reputational risks and employer conditions.

This series is designed to equip geoscience professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in leadership roles and enhance their overall effectiveness in the workplace. Participants will explore key leadership principles, develop practical management techniques, and strengthen the interpersonal skills needed to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organisational success.

Through interactive learning, practical case studies, and self-reflection exercises, learners will build competencies in communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, strategic thinking, change management, and team development. The course emphasises both personal growth and professional impact, enabling participants to become more effective leaders regardless of their current role or level of experience.

Other modules available:

Other modules coming soon:

Meeting Management
Effective Communication
Building a Strategy

A woman stands holding a clipboard, leading a discussion with four colleagues seated on armchairs in a bright office.

Nov

2026

Introduction to Change Management

Contributes to CPD, Virtual

group of men and women sat at a table listening to a woman in a beige suit with glasses who is standing at the head of the table speaking to them

Nov

2026

The Art of Negotiation

Contributes to CPD, Virtual

Two women sitting at a table by a window, talking to each other.

Dec

2026

Having Difficult Conversations

Contributes to CPD, Virtual

Engaging with the Media

This course will be held virtually on 27 November 2026 at 12:00 to approximately 14:00 GMT, depending on audience participation.

Joining details will be sent out the day prior, alongside any course materials that may be needed.

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Dr Megan O'Donnell FGS

Megan obtained a degree in Geology from the University of St Andrews, before working as an Atmospheric Pollution Research Assistant at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. She then joined the GeoEnergy research group at the University of Edinburgh where she conducted her PhD research on the minimisation of risk and environmental impact from shale gas operations. Since 2019, she has worked for the Geological Society in Policy and Communications, working to build the capacity of the geoscience community to engage in all aspects of public policymaking. In her current role, she is responsible for providing geological information to support evidence-based policy making, communicating the value and importance of geoscience knowledge and skills, and representing the geological community to stakeholders across society, the Government, the media, other scientific communities and the public. Megan leads on the Society’s responses to Government consultations and parliamentary inquiries, and Government and parliamentary engagement. She also leads on the Society’s strategic policy work, producing statements and policy briefing notes.

Fees

Fellow £75

Non-Fellow £150

Student Member £25

Student Non-Member £50

The Geological Society of America (GSA) members discount

We offer a generous 40% discount off our Non-Fellow rate to members of the Geological Society of America (GSA). A discount code must be quoted on the registration form in order to take advantage of the discount. If you are a member of GSA and do not have the discount code, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk with proof of your membership.

Group discounts

We offer competitive group discounts on all Training Courses:
5 – 9 delegates: 20% off
10 – 14 delegates: 25% off
15 delegates or more: 30% off

For more information on how to access the Group Discount, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Concessions

We offer students a generous discount. Please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or uploading a photograph of your student identification/acceptance letter.

The Society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Contact training@geolsoc.org.uk (Please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this.)

If you require an invoice to register for this course, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place.

GSL reserves the right to postpone or cancel a Training Course in the event of low interest. In this instance, a full refund will be offered for registration fees.

Engaging with the Media