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University of Oxford
This week, early-career cardiovascular researchers gathered at the DPAG Library, University of Oxford, for an engaging and insightful afternoon dedicated to science communication.
Organised by the BHF Oxford Centre of Research Excellence (BHF Oxford CRE) Early Career Researcher (ECR) Working Group, the event brought together a diverse panel of leading experts working at the interface of science, media, and public engagement. Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on how to effectively communicate complex research to a wide range of audiences.
Inspiring talks from expert speakers
The BHF Oxford CRE team was delighted to welcome an outstanding panel of speakers who also provided their insights through an interactive panel discussion following their presentations:
Rebecca Morelle, BBC Science Editor, explained that effective communication in science relies on clarity, confidence, and human connection. Interviews may not always go as planned, but staying flexible and avoiding jargon is key. The most impactful stories are those that resonate widely—the message needs to be understood by an 8-year-old or someone in their 80s.
With her extensive experience in working at the BBC, Rebecca conveyed that visuals play a crucial role, particularly for television and digital media, where images and graphics help bring complex topics to life. Above all, researchers should always ask: what does this mean for the audience? Even when topics are challenging, framing them through human interest and real-world impact makes them more accessible and engaging.
Megan Stoker, Medical Writer at Porterhouse Medical, discussed the role of medical writing in shaping scientific narratives. Medical communications offer a dynamic career translating science for diverse audiences. The role goes far beyond academic writing and includes: patient-facing materials such as leaflets, booklets, and educational videos; content for clinicians, including drug information and training materials; developing resources for internal communications for industry including slide decks and learning resources.
Work in this field is highly collaborative, involving account managers, editors, and creative teams, with a strong emphasis on project ownership—from concept to delivery. Attention to detail and proofreading are critical skills in this career. Megan explained that the role also offers variety and opportunities beyond writing, including attending international conferences, contributing to competitive intelligence, and working on multiple projects across different therapeutic areas.
Gregory Lim, Editor at Nature Reviews Cardiology, provided his perspective on publishing impactful cardiovascular research and moving to an editorial role after his DPhil. Journals like Nature Reviews Cardiology (launched in 2024) sit within a prestigious portfolio of Nature’s 26 review journals and have a major impact in their field. There are opportunities for ECRs to gain editorial experience, for example in peer reviews overseen by senior experts. Gregory indicated that there is a strong sense of ownership overseeing published content and sharing excellent science. His role combines opportunities for conference travel and engagement with the global research community.
Kaamya Mehta, PR and Media representative at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), highlighted strategies for engaging with media and amplifying research impact. She explained that working in a charity communications role involves sharing research in meaningful, relatable ways across different media platforms. The BHF is embracing the rapid pace of change in outlets for communicating research highlights, including social media. Kaamya emphasised that strong case studies—real patient stories—are central to effective messaging, helping audiences connect emotionally with scientific advances. The focus is on making research relevant and impactful for the public.
Supporting Early-Career Researchers
This event was specifically designed to support early-career researchers looking to develop their communication skills and broaden the reach of their work.
We thank all our speakers for their time and expertise, and all attendees for contributing to the engaging discussions. The event was organised by the BHF Oxford CRE ECR Working Group: Stephanie Anderson, Kaitlyn Dennis, Celine Santiago, and Lisa Heather. With special thanks to Carolyn Carr.