At the IOI, our scientists work across disciplines to develop new solutions to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). An important part of the research process is ensuring that findings are communicated clearly. At IOI, this is the job of Communications Officer Sophie Bury.
What are your main responsibilities as a Comms Officer?
I’m responsible for coordinating communications about our research, sharing news updates, and highlighting the work of our scientists. This covers various different platforms including social media, our website, and newsletters.
When a new research paper is released, for example, I first work with the researchers to write an article summarising the study for our website. This may then be shared with journalists, or other university communications teams, to maximise its reach. After that, I upload the story, source images, and create graphics to accompany it. I also schedule social media posts. Sometimes, we’ll also create a short video to go with an article, which involves writing a script, filming and editing the footage. A single story requires a lot of work, and during busy times we may publish multiple stories in a week!
What are some of the challenges you face in your role?
As a Communications Officer, my job is to take complex scientific research and transform it into more accessible formats. While I have a good general knowledge of most areas of our research, but I am not a scientist so this can sometimes be challenging! I work closely with our researchers to check I have accurately understood and explained their work. Though this can be tricky, it’s also one of my favourite parts of the job. Breaking down complex concepts so a non-expert audience can understand them is incredibly satisfying.
How did you get into science communications?
I have always been interested in science and have volunteered in various science engagement roles at museums- mostly teaching science to children and families. I have a BSc in Psychology, and after my degree I worked in different roles at universities and students’ unions. Along the way, I’ve picked up a bit of everything, but communications has been the most interesting part of all the jobs I’ve had. I love that I can combine it with my passion for science at the IOI!
What are you looking forward to at the IOI?
Next week we are excited to welcome early-career AMR researchers to Oxford for our annual conference. Organising it has been a lot of work to organise, so I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together- it should be a great day. After that, I’m excited to see how the Oxford AMR Network develops, and continuing to work with our brilliant scientists to showcase their research.