Would you like to boost your science communications skills and help the Society to creatively engage with new audiences on social media? Then consider applying to join the You and Your Hormones team as a Social Media Content Creator.
We have recently launched a Twitter account for You and Your Hormones (@Your_Hormones). You and Your Hormones is our public-facing website, which provides reliable online information and learning resources for students, teachers and the general public on hormones and hormone-related conditions. The Twitter account aims to widen the website’s reach, and to connect the general public with accurate, interesting and reliable information on hormones.
That’s where you come in.
We are looking for passionate members who are interested in using social media for science communication to apply to our newly launched public engagement opportunity: Social Media Content Creator.
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
• You’ll gain experience in science communication on social media.
• You can improve your writing skills for non-specialist audiences.
• You’ll help us combat misinformation online by promoting accurate and reliable science.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work with fellow members from across our endocrine community.
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
• Creating content for Twitter takeovers at least once a month.
• Engaging with a wide range of social media users.
• Generating creative ways to communicate endocrinology to Twitter users.
• Ensuring information is accurate, reliable and easy to understand.
• Working alongside supportive communications and marketing team members.
Apply here to become a Social Media Content Creator (members only)
MY TWITTER TAKEOVER EXPERIENCE …AND WHY YOU SHOULD TRY IT TOO
Abbie Byford (@AbigailByford)
I am a final year PhD student at the University of Leeds researching the impact of maternal diabetes on the placenta. I am a member of the Society for Endocrinology’s Public Engagement Committee, and enjoy taking part in public outreach, using art to teach people about my pregnancy research.
Tell us about your career so far
I have been a student at Leeds for nine years, first studying for my undergraduate degree and masters in neuroscience, and now my PhD on maternal diabetes in pregnancy. During my PhD, I joined the Society for Endocrinology and, last year, I joined the Public Engagement Committee.
Why did you specialise in endocrinology?
When I saw the advertisement for my current PhD project investigating maternal diabetes and its impact on the placenta, I was intrigued. Although my undergraduate degree was in neuroscience, I was really interested in researching pregnancy and learning about a new topic. This introduced me to the fields of reproductive endocrinology and diabetes, as well as to the Society.
What experience have you had in public outreach?
I received funding from the Society for Endocrinology and the Pathological Society to develop my own placenta-themed lino printing activity (PlacentArt), which I have carried out at local and national outreach events, including the University of Leeds Be Curious Festival, Otley Science Festival and the Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity (see The Endocrinologist issue 146). As a member of the Society’s Public Engagement Committee, I am also on the You and Your Hormones Editorial Board.
How was your @Your_Hormones Twitter takeover?
I enjoyed thinking about which aspects of my research would be interesting to members of the public, and then creating a quiz from those aspects to engage them. As Twitter has a character limit, it was also important to think of short, snappy Tweets that would simplify complex topics. It was also a great opportunity to direct people to the You and Your Hormones website.
Why apply for the Social Media Content Editor role?
As social media is so widely used today, it is the perfect platform to engage members of the public with endocrinology. It’s a great opportunity for Society members to gain public engagement experience and communicate their areas of research, or current hot topics, to the public. I would really recommend being involved.
Are you interested in doing more public outreach?
I really enjoy taking part in public outreach, and this experience has encouraged me to be more involved in engagement through online platforms.
MANON OWEN (@ManonOwen4)
I am a PhD student who is passionate about science communication, and the challenge of breaking down complex scientific concepts into language that everyone can understand. When I’m not in the lab, you will either see me in the pub with friends or on long walks across the mountains of Snowdonia!
Tell us about your career so far
I am currently a third year British Heart Foundation PhD student at the University of Leeds, studying the effects of diabetes on fetal growth and cardiometabolic outcomes during pregnancy. Prior to starting my PhD, I studied biomedical science at the University of Birmingham. I undertook an elective industrial placement year at the Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development, where I worked on phase I/II oncology clinical trials as a student Quality Assurance and Medical Writing Assistant.
Why did you specialise in endocrinology?
I find it fascinating how much subconscious influence our hormones have each day, affecting our activities, behaviour and mood more than we think. They have a huge impact on our short and long term health. Pregnancy is a period where there is a significant shift in hormones to cause changes to the body to support a developing fetus. I therefore wanted to further explore how a slight hormonal imbalance in pregnancy can have a domino effect, not only on the person who is pregnant, but also on the long term health of the child.
What experience have you had in public outreach?
I have previously been involved in various scientific outreach opportunities, reaching diverse audiences. These range from developing and hosting scientific activities for families in scientific and cultural festivals, to being interviewed on BBC Radio Cymru and being a producer for Pint of Science online live show. During my placement year with Cancer Research UK, I also developed layperson summaries of clinical trial results by working with patient involvement groups.
How was your @Your_Hormones Twitter takeover?
It was great to have the opportunity to take over the @Your_Hormones Twitter account, as I could come up with my own ideas and be as creative as possible when explaining difficult concepts. I created question polls throughout the day and had live interaction with the public. It was also really cool to see how many profiles my Tweets had reached, and therefore the impact of my takeover.
Why apply for the Social Media Content Editor role?
You are given the opportunity to come up with your own ideas for the @Your_Hormones social media content. With such a large following, you have a great platform to make an impact in your own unique way.
Are you interested in doing more public outreach?
Absolutely! Since my first takeover I have been thinking about more ideas that I would like to implement, to increase social media engagement and public interest.
