Science storyteller is honoured by the University of Leicester
Fiona Fox with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah.
An expert who helps journalists navigate complex science stories has been honoured by the University of Leicester.
Fiona Fox OBE received an Honorary Doctorate of Science during a graduation ceremony, held at De Montfort Hall, in Leicester, today (Wednesday 17 July).
Fiona is Chief Executive and founding director of the Science Media Centre (SMC), an indispensable resource for science journalists in the UK.
The SMC was founded in 2002 in the wake of a House of Lords report on Science and Society. Initially hosted by the Royal Institution, it is now based at the Wellcome Trust. Funded by more than 100 science organisations, the centre provides scientific context and comment for major news stories, drawing on a database of more than 3,000 experts.
In 2010, Fiona worked closely with the University’s press office during the construction of the Central Research Facility, which was opposed by animal rights protestors. This ground-breaking proactive approach to a formerly taboo subject completely changed the way that animal-based research is communicated by institutions across the UK and garnered the University awards and acclaim.
Fiona said: “In these polarised times, it’s more important than ever that the public have access to high quality, evidence based and accurate information about topical issues.
“Leicester has supported science communication while too many other universities have neglected it, recognising the important role of a university in sharing knowledge with society to enhance good decision making and a healthy democracy. The University has won awards for being a pioneer of openness on animal research and I’m proud to be now associated with it.”
Born in North Wales, Fiona studied at the Polytechnic of Central London (now the University of Westminster) and built a career handling media relations for bodies such as the Equal Opportunities Commission and the National Council for One Parent Families.
Fiona is a regular commentator on science in the media and was the only representative from the scientific community invited to give evidence at the Levenson Inquiry into press standards in the UK in 2012. Awarded an OBE in 2013, she holds Honorary Fellowships from the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Biology, the British Pharmacological Society, and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
The University of Leicester features as one of the case studies in Fiona’s critically acclaimed 2022 book Beyond the Hype: Inside Science’s Biggest Media Scandals from Climategate to Covid.
The University continues to work with the SMC in its research communications.
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “I am delighted to see Fiona recognised for her tireless work in ensuring science and research is presented by the media in a fair and factual manner.
“The Science Media Centre is trusted by journalists worldwide, and that is down to Fiona’s mission to boil down complex scientific issues into easy to understand and engaging content.”