Rebecca Nesbit

Experience

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  Rothamsted Research

  Oct 2005 - Sept 2009

  PhD student

  Compass orientation mechanisms in migratory butterfliesThe changing climate will affect the numbers of migrant insects reaching the UK, including agricultural pests and species we wish to protect. Using radars and flight simulators, I studied butterflies migrating from North Africa to the UK, contributing to our understanding of how insects make journeys of thousands of kilometres. My research was published in journals including Science and Animal Behaviour. I was shortlisted for Royal Entomological Society’s Wallace Award, which is awarded for a PhD thesis considered to be outstanding. I conducted fieldwork in Gibraltar and the UK.My passion for science communication began during my PhD, and my experience included: talks, workshops and debates with school children on topics such as bioenergy and genetic modification; giving guided tours of the research institute; running a workshop for teachers; presentations to natural history societies. Show less

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  Freelance

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2011

  Freelance journalist

  Alongside my work, I wrote for magazines including BBC Wildlife, Green Futures, The Gibraltar Magazine and Adventure Travel.

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  Inscentinel Ltd

  Jan 2010 - Jun 2010

  Research and Development Scientist

  Honeybees can detect odours at concentrations equivalent to a grain of salt in an Olympic-sized swimming pool, so have exciting potential as replacements for sniffer dogs. Inscentinel was developing the technology to use honeybees for explosive and drug detection on a commercial scale. My responsibilities included lab management, experimental work and training of honeybees. Science communication formed part of my role; I organised Inscentinel’s presence at the Rothamsted Research open weekend, attended by 7,000 visitors. This included posters, handouts, demonstrations and a video. Show less

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  Holdsworth Associates

  Jun 2010 - Jan 2012

  PR consultant

  Specialists in science and technology, Holdsworth Associates develops creative communication strategies to support clients’ business objectives. My responsibilities included:Media relations, event organisation, project management for new websites, social media management, and writing for magazines, websites and reports.

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  Royal Society of Biology

  Feb 2012 - Aug 2014

  Press Officer

  The Royal Society of Biology supports biologists, raises the standard of science education, advises government and encourages public interest in science. As a young, growing organisation, the Society could act upon many of my ideas, and its profile grew considerably. I developed the Society’s social media strategy, and our online presence expanded rapidly. I ran the Society’s press activities, developed a journalist database, and was responsible for media monitoring and reporting on growth metrics. In August 2013 we launched a new website, and I worked with other teams to keep content accurate and appropriate to the audience. I also coordinated Biology Week: obtaining funding, running events, liaising with other event organisers, and securing media coverage. I started two environmental citizen science projects, and acted as an official spokesperson for these on BBC radio and television. I managed the communications for the UK Plant Sciences Federation (a Special Interest Group).My work with the policy and education teams included contributing to Parliamentary events, and I supported the policy team in putting together statements on controversial issues such as neonicotinoid pesticides. I contributed to successful grant proposals, including from the Heritage Lottery Fund.I ran external training days in ‘writing for a non-technical audience’ and evaluated their success. I had line management responsibility for research-council funded and Biology Week interns, providing them with feedback and supporting their development. Show less

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  The Nobel Prize

  Aug 2014 - Jul 2023

  Scientific Programme Manager

  I worked on events around the world bringing Nobel Laureates closer to young scientists and the wider public. My role involved communications, social media, marketing, video production, event management, digital event production and building international relationships with sponsors and universities. I was heavily involved with two international programmes: the Nobel Prize Inspiration Initiative (www.nobelprize.org/npii) and Nobel Week Dialogue. These cover topics at the interface of science and society, including climate change, food security, migration, health, education, biodiversity protection and critical thinking. Show less

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  Galapagos Conservation Trust

  Jun 2015 - Jul 2021

  Trustee

  Galapagos Conservation Trust is the UK's only charity focused on conservation and sustainable development in the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands. The NGO supports both wildlife and people, including through environmental education. As a Board member I was responsible for guiding strategy and ensuring the charity meets its legal and financial obligations. I sat on the Programmes & Grants Committee, offering advice on budget allocation for conservation, sustainability and education programmes. Show less

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  University of Plymouth

  Jul 2023 - now

  Project Manager

  Working as part of the Applied Marine Ecology Research Unit, I manage two Defra-funded projects focusing on sustainable fishing in the UK.