Laura Bell on finding her stride in Science Communications
UofG Degrees: BSc Genetics (2002), PhD Oncology and Cancer Biology (2007)
Job: Programme Lead at Glasgow City of Science and Innovation
Laura made the difficult decision to leave her cancer research institute to pursue a career in science communications, and the career change opened a wealth of new opportunities and personal accomplishments. Since making this leap, Laura has worked for organisations including Cancer Research UK and the MS Society in communication roles ranging from public health, policy, fundraising, and research.
In her current role as programme lead at Glasgow City of Science and Innovation, Laura describes it as telling a story — a story that puts Glasgow at the centre of science and research and one that she is passionate about telling. Laura's take away message for listeners is that Glasgow can offer a wide breadth of opportunities in science comms and engagement roles.
Listen out for Laura describing her ‘scientific approach to networking’, she felt as a scientist that networking didn’t come naturally to her, so she developed her own step-by-step process for making connection and getting the most out of her professional network.
Take your next steps
Laura shares her insights into some of the growing sectors for science and innovation in Scotland and beyond. Find out about Scottish Funded Innovation Centres Funded Innovation Centres (sfc.ac.uk) and take a look at several in Glasgow including the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, Precision Medicine Scotland, CENSIS, the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre and Built Environment, Smarter Transformation.
You can also find out more about the UK Catapult Network, which brings together nine leading technology and innovation centres spanning over 50 locations across the UK
The Glasgow Innovation Districts that Laura mentions include Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, Glasgow City Innovation District, and National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland.
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