CASW Connector is a curated database of hundreds of articles, guides, training programs, conferences, fellowships, publishing outlets and more on issues related to communicating science.
It includes resources for all science writers, ranging from students exploring the career options in this field to mid- and late-career writers interested in continuing training and networking opportunities. While CASW is based in the U.S., many resources in the database are applicable to writers and communicators working around the world.
Connector staff are continually working to keep the database updated with the latest information. Sign up for our newsletter to receive news on resources as we add them. And if you’d like to suggest a new resource we should include, send it to us here!
Table of contents
How to use this database
There are several ways to browse the CASW Connector database for resources that may be helpful in your science writing journey.
- Use the text search to look for resources related to a specific keyword. You can use advanced search syntax here, such as putting “quotation marks” around a phrase.
- Use the audience filter (“For:”) to look for resources that apply to a particular group of people within science writing, such as journalists or students.
- Use the topic filter to look for resources in a category or on a specific topic within science writing, such as freelancing or finding sources.
- Use the format filter to narrow your search to resources of a particular type, such as events, trainings, or published articles.
Please note that the different filters will all narrow your search at the same time. If you aren’t seeing many results for a search, try clicking “Clear Filters” to see more options.
Sample search options
If you’re interested in learning more about science writing, check out these links:
If you’re looking for training opportunities, here are some options:
If you’re looking for networking and community, a few links to get you started:
If you’re looking for examples of great science writing, check these out:
Topics we do and don’t include
CASW Connector includes a broad range of resources related to the practice of science writing, from training and the craft of writing to best practices, finding sources, and much, much more. While we encourage you to suggest resources and topics for inclusion in Connector, there are some topics that may be of interest to science writers, yet are outside the scope of the practice of science journalism, writing, and communication.
Here are some organizations and resources that address these broader topics:
General freelancing guidance and opportunities:
Resources for international writers and communicators:
Mental health resources for journalists:
Resources for multimedia reporting:
Resources for data and investigative reporting:
Glossary
For every resource in our library, Connector includes the following fields:
- Name or title of the resource
- Link to the resource
- Format, or what form this resource takes (e.g., article, video, event, training program, online community, etc.)
- Topic or topics within science writing covered by this resource
- For, or the audience who will be served by this resource
- Summary of the resource, elaborating on its contents and/or function
Some resources may also include:
- Organization or institution that produced or published the resource
- Author who wrote the resource (typically used for articles, books, and other written materials)
- Annotated by credit for annotated stories, i.e. examples of great science writing with notes describing why they are effective
- Published by credit for articles, books, and other resources produced by specific outlets or publishers
- Publish date for resources where this is applicable
- Location for events occurring in-person (as opposed to virtual events)
- Dates show start date and end date for events
More details on topic options:
- Advice: suggestions for how to write or report effectively, how to navigate a career in science journalism or science communication, and other practical tips
- Advocacy: resources about advocating for science-related causes
- Awards: opportunities for science writers to win awards
- Best practices: industry standards and guidelines
- Career planning: tips for career development in science writing and related fields
- Community: organizations and events that offer networking and community-building
- Craft of writing: resources discussing writing style and mechanics
- Editing: resources for editors
- Finding sources: resources that assist in finding scientists and other expert sources
- Freelance resources: discussing freelancing within science journalism and communication
- Grants: opportunities for funding science writing projects
- Job listings: job postings for science journalists and communicators
- Journalism: journalist-specific resources
- Journalism and communication practice: discussion on how to communicate science effectively, through journalism and other communication formats
- Offers training: organizations and institutions that provide training programs, events, and tools
- Pitching and publishing: tips, databases, and other resources about pitching to editors and getting stories published
- Science literacy: related to improving scientific understanding among the general public
- Science writing example: exemplary stories that provide examples of great science writing in action
- Teaching: resources about educating students on science writing
- Tips and tools: tipsheets, toolkits, and other resources that provide advice for specific reporting scenarios
- Tools for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion: including resources for diversifying one’s sources and reporting with consideration for a diverse audience
- Topical resources: resources that discuss specific scientific topics, such as extreme heat or infectious diseases
- Training: training programs to improve science writing skills, including those at academic institutions and other organizations
More details on format options:
- Awards: opportunities for science writers to win awards
- Events
- Conference: longer events including multiple training and networking sessions
- Workshop: shorter events, usually with a single topic or focus
- Organizations
- Academic center: centers or programs within academic institutions that focus on science writing
- Community: social media groups and other informal networking groups
- Mentor program: opportunities for young science writers to receive mentorship
- Organization: professional associations, nonprofits, and other organizations that support and/or serve science writers, communicators, or journalists
- Podcast: resources in audio form
- Publications:
- Annotated story: examples of great science writing that feature commentary from guest writers explaining what makes the piece successful
- Article: short, text-based pieces
- Blog: informal, self-published publications
- Book: books about science writing
- Newsletter: written articles, roundups, advice, and/or tips delivered via email
- Science writing example: exemplary stories that provide examples of great science writing
- Twitter thread: advice or information delivered via X (the platform formely known asTwitter)
- Resources
- Resource database / guide: repositories/libraries of resources related to science writing on other websites
- Source database: repositories/libraries of scientists and other expert sources
- Training
- Academic program: undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs offered by academic institutions
- Fellowships & grants: non-academic training programs that offer funding and/or other support for science writers
- Training program: other types of training programs
- Video: resources in video form
Notes on audience (“for”) options:
- Our Getting started collection includes resources for science writers who are just beginning a new career in science journalism or communication.
- Our International collection includes resources for science writers outside the U.S., where CASW is based.
Have a question or a suggestion for this guide? Email us!