The British High Commission Abuja and British High Commission Accra have delivered a UK-funded science journalism training programme, with journalists from Ghana and Nigeria completing a four-day course at Imperial College London involving laboratory visits, expert workshops and media skills development.
Journalists selected through a competitive process travelled to Imperial College London to participate in an intensive programme focused on science communication. The initiative forms part of the UK government’s Science Granting Councils Initiative supporting collaboration with Ghana and Nigeria.
Training workshops were previously held in Abuja and Accra, providing foundational skills to a wider group of journalists. The London programme builds on this by offering direct exposure to research environments and practical reporting frameworks.
Science journalism training programme overview
The programme was designed to strengthen science journalism by equipping reporters with the skills needed to communicate complex research clearly and accurately. It supports improved public understanding and evidence-based policymaking across Ghana and Nigeria.
- Funding Source: UK government through the Science Granting Councils Initiative
- Participating Countries: Ghana and Nigeria journalists selected via competitive story pitches
Programme Structure Summary
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Imperial College London | Primary site for advanced training programme delivery |
| Duration | Four days | Intensive training programme format |
| Components | Labs, workshops, media training | Combined academic and journalism skill development activities |
Training Activities at Imperial College London
Participants toured research facilities covering gene drive technology in malaria research, artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical discovery and sustainable energy development. They also engaged with organisations such as the Science Media Centre and the Frontier Tech Centre.
These activities provided practical frameworks for responsible reporting and direct interaction with scientists and ongoing research projects.
- Research Exposure: Malaria gene drive, AI drug discovery and sustainable energy
- Institutional Visits: Science Media Centre and Frontier Tech Centre
Training Components
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Visits | Hands-on research exposure | Participants engaged directly with active scientific research environments at Imperial College London |
| Workshops | Expert-led training sessions | Focused on science communication techniques and translating complex research into accessible reporting |
| Media Skills | Applied reporting frameworks | Training provided tools for evidence-based journalism and responsible science reporting |
Skills Development and Regional Impact
The programme builds on earlier regional workshops, enabling journalists to develop stories with direct relevance to their home countries. Nigerian participants engaged with biotransformation technology and met recognised researchers, while Ghanaian participants connected with academic leadership at Imperial Global Ghana.
This approach supports stronger science communication that reflects local priorities while maintaining accuracy and clarity.
UK Government and Institutional Partnership Context
The initiative forms part of the UK government’s broader Science, Technology and Innovation strategies with West Africa. It demonstrates a commitment to long-term partnerships that enhance local capacity and strengthen collaboration between UK institutions and regional stakeholders.
The programme aligns with efforts to support public trust in science and improve the translation of research into real-world outcomes.
Stakeholder Comments
Jamie Proctor, Head of West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), FCDO said;
“By investing in the skills of journalists in Ghana and Nigeria, we are supporting more informed public debate, stronger evidence-based policymaking, and deeper public trust in science. Strong science journalism can translate complex research and innovation into real-world impact.”
Stephen Johns, International Communications Manager at Imperial College London said;
“For a global research university like Imperial, working closely with journalists is vital to telling our story and bringing cutting-edge science and research to the public — from medical breakthroughs to the realities of climate change and the promise of emerging technologies.”
Aseosa Uwagboe-Anuna, Head of Communications at the British High Commission in Abuja said;
“By strengthening the skills and knowledge of journalists across Nigeria and Ghana, we are helping ensure that important scientific advances are communicated accurately responsibly and in ways that truly serve the public interest.”
Programme impact and regional collaboration outcomes
The UK-funded science journalism training programme at Imperial College London strengthens reporting capabilities in Ghana and Nigeria through direct engagement with research and practical communication training.
By linking regional workshops with advanced learning opportunities, the initiative supports evidence-based reporting, public understanding and policymaking, while reinforcing long-term collaboration between UK institutions and West African partners.
Sources: British High Commission Abuja; British High Commission Accra; Imperial College London.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
