Melissa Saphra
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Policy and Public Affairs Officer
The Physiological Society
06.2026 - Current
- Co-authored The Physiological Society's report on extreme heat in the workplace, including conducting scoping analyses and managing Working Group communications and logistics.
- Designed the report's parliamentary launch event. Identified and secured MP and APPG attendance and drafted tailored parliamentary engagement messaging, which included developing briefing materials and designing potential oral questions.
- Directed multi-channel social media and promotional campaigns, driving stakeholder engagement and public awareness for the report's release.
Policy Assistant
The Royal Society
03.2025 - 03.2026
- Rebuilt the team’s core narrative and positioning, creating a consistent messaging framework adopted across consultation responses and internal communications.
- Performed desk research for the nature policy section into the consequences of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Wrote a briefing for peers. Presented key findings and suggested next steps for the Royal Society, determining areas of potential influence. Received verbal recognition in the Policy Section meeting by the Head of Public Affairs.
- Led operational delivery for the Publishing Review Conference, coordinating travel and logistics for 40 senior stakeholders and managing 260+ attendee engagement. Received verbal positive feedback from the Vice President and Policy Head.
- Drove the Royal Society’s engagement on climate adaptation, preparing peer briefings, mapping key stakeholders, and hosting a high-profile expert table at GCSA roundtable.
- Co-authored and proofread the Royal Society’s report on Nature Offset Markets and Contaminant Mixtures, now published on the Royal Society website, and produced introductory text on new report on the Future of Food.
- Mapped 300+ stakeholders to invite to Thermal Energy Efficiency report launch. Received 5 emails from attendees post-event with positive feedback surrounding the networking reception.
Graduate Trainee
Wellcome Trust
09.2023 - 03.2025
- Owned stakeholder onboarding and coalition-building for the Global Snakebite Taskforce, a new international coalition of health leaders, policymakers, scientists, frontline workers, and advocates; successfully launched at the World Health Assembly with membership including the Kenyan Ministry of Health.
- Co-led and executed the ‘Strike out Snakebite’ PR campaign, shaping communications strategy with consultants and growing a LinkedIn following to 500; campaign activity supported measurable behaviour change, including reduced reliance on alternative treatments before hospital arrival (reported in The Telegraph).
- Managed end-to-end delivery of an international conference (60+ attendees) for the Community Engagement team. Achieved 100% positive feedback.
Science Communicator
The Science Museum
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed and delivered science shows for audiences ages 3-16.
Education
BSc - Biological Sciences
University of Warwick
01-2022
St Marylebone C of E School
01-2019
Blackheath High School
01-2017
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft office products including Excel, Word and Powerpoint
- PRINCE-2 Project Management Qualification
- Events management expertise
- Policy analysis and horizon scanning expertise
- Stakeholder management and partnership building
Personal Statement
Policy and public affairs professional with experience translating complex evidence into clear policy positions across the environment and climate landscape. Currently at The Physiological Society supporting a portfolio of work on climate and health. Skilled in navigating complex policy landscapes, synthesising evidence for decision-makers, and working to shape and advocate for organisational positions. Looking to pivot back into a dedicated environmental advocacy role, bringing a proven track record of bridging scientific research with political engagement.
Timeline
Policy and Public Affairs Officer
The Physiological Society
06.2026 - Current
Policy Assistant
The Royal Society
03.2025 - 03.2026
Graduate Trainee
Wellcome Trust
09.2023 - 03.2025
Science Communicator
The Science Museum
08.2022 - 05.2023
Blackheath High School
St Marylebone C of E School
BSc - Biological Sciences
University of Warwick