Applications are now open for the 2026 Imperial As One Media Academy. This is an award-winning communications training programme for Black and minority ethnic researchers, academics and PhD students who remain underrepresented in the media and wider public sphere. Funded by Research England, it is designed to build confidence and skills in how to share your research and expertise with wider audiences.
Over six interactive workshops, participants gain practical skills in media engagement, public engagement, social media, podcasts, policy engagement and more. As well as benefitting from small-group, supportive learning designed specifically for ethnically minoritised researchers, you will be taught by inspiring expert trainers and get to hear from guest speakers including science content creator and social media star Big Manny.
To date, the Media Academy has trained over 130 researchers from Imperial College London, Francis Crick Institute and the Institute of Cancer Research. Graduates have gone on to feature in national and international media outlets, appear on podcasts, write blogs and opinion pieces and speak at parliamentary events.
100% of participants say they would recommend the programme but places are limited. You can hear more from our graduates and programme organisers in this video