Science communicators Archives

Awards

National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine

Applications for the 2025 awards are now open, with a deadline of March 31. "Submissions are now being accepted for the National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, given by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in partnership with Schmidt Sciences. The awards honor exceptional science communicators, journalists, and research scientists who have developed creative, original work to communicate issues or advances in science, engineering, or medicine to the general public. Submissions are encouraged from individuals who have developed high-quality communications in 2024 and demonstrated the ability to communicate the spectrum of science, engineering, or medicine. The program will confer 24 awards totaling $640,000. In addition to the prize, Schmidt Sciences will help foster a vibrant and expanding community of science communications awardees by partnering with renowned journalistic institutions to provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities."

National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

Summary:

Applications for the 2025 awards are now open, with a deadline of March 31. "Submissions are now being accepted for the National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, given by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in partnership with Schmidt Sciences. The awards honor exceptional science communicators, journalists, and research scientists who have developed creative, original work to communicate issues or advances in science, engineering, or medicine to the general public. Submissions are encouraged from individuals who have developed high-quality communications in 2024 and demonstrated the ability to communicate the spectrum of science, engineering, or medicine. The program will confer 24 awards totaling $640,000. In addition to the prize, Schmidt Sciences will help foster a vibrant and expanding community of science communications awardees by partnering with renowned journalistic institutions to provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities."

Organization:

National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine

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Book

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science

National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine

"'Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science' characterizes the nature, scope, and impacts of this phenomenon, and provides guidance on interventions, policies, and future research. This report is a comprehensive assessment of the available evidence and reflects a systems view of the problem given the broader historical and contemporary contexts that shape the lived experiences of people and their relationships to information. The report aims to illuminate the impacts of misinformation about science and potential solutions across a diversity of individual peoples, communities, and societies."

Conference

Building Trust in Science: A One-Day Conference for a More Informed Future

Aspen Institute

"Building Trust in Science: A One-Day Conference for a More Informed Future, a collaboration between the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program and the MIT Press, aims to bridge the gap between decades of research in neuroscience and social science about how humans process and understand information, and the vulnerabilities to misinformation and propaganda we endure when we fail to leverage this knowledge in communicating science, especially in the age of generative AI.

"This conference, planned for March 10, 2025 in Boston, at MIT in Cambridge, MA, will be ideal for science communicators, journalists, researchers, students, policymakers, and anyone interested in mobilizing knowledge for a better world. This conference will explore how journalists, science communicators, researchers, and policymakers can utilize knowledge about human learning to empower diverse groups to make informed decisions in a complex world;
combat disinformation and build trust in science and scientists;
amplify voices and perspectives historically marginalized by science and journalism; and craft impactful messaging that fosters active and engaged communities where science is a cornerstone."

Fellowships & Grants

Spreading Love Through the Media: Request for Proposals

Greater Good Science Center

"The GGSC is pleased to announce a request for proposals (RFP) to support nonfiction content and reported stories related to love. We are interested in projects that extend well beyond romantic love; we define love as a deep, unselfish commitment to another person’s well-being—even to put their interests before your own. With funding from the John Templeton Foundation, the GGSC will distribute grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 to two dozen journalists and media producers who approach the topic of love from a variety of angles and across a range of media, including articles, videos, radio stories, podcasts, social media content, and more." The application deadline is 11:59 pm PT on March 24, 2025.

Spreading Love Through the Media: Request for Proposals

Summary:

"The GGSC is pleased to announce a request for proposals (RFP) to support nonfiction content and reported stories related to love. We are interested in projects that extend well beyond romantic love; we define love as a deep, unselfish commitment to another person’s well-being—even to put their interests before your own. With funding from the John Templeton Foundation, the GGSC will distribute grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 to two dozen journalists and media producers who approach the topic of love from a variety of angles and across a range of media, including articles, videos, radio stories, podcasts, social media content, and more." The application deadline is 11:59 pm PT on March 24, 2025.

Organization:

Greater Good Science Center

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Article

Landing the story: Tips for PIOs working with journalists

This article summarizes a panel session at the ScienceWriters2024 meeting in which speakers discussed how public information officers (PIOs) can better work with journalists. Speakers included Victoria Jaggard, executive editor at Science News magazine; Laura Helmuth, the recent editor-in-chief of Scientific American; Jeff Grabmeier, Senior Director of Research Communications at Ohio State University; and Kelly Tyrrell, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Content Strategy at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Conference

Science Talk ’25

Association of Science Communicators

"In 2025 we are highlighting the importance of ecosystem building over a wide spectrum of science communication activities, and exploring how various areas of scicomm can come together and span boundaries to solve problems and benefit society." Early bird registration opens December 15, and the conference program is coming soon.

Video

Communicating science to a skeptical public: “Your Local Epidemiologist” Katelyn Jetelina

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

"Launched as a 'direct line' to accessible information during the COVID-19 pandemic, the newsletter “Your Local Epidemiologist” has blossomed into a trusted, wide-ranging science source to more than 250,000 followers. In this event, the newsletter’s founder, epidemiologist and data scientist Katelyn Jetelina, speaks about how public health leaders can cut through misinformation and partisanship with effective, empathetic communication."

Communicating science to a skeptical public: “Your Local Epidemiologist” Katelyn Jetelina

Summary:

"Launched as a 'direct line' to accessible information during the COVID-19 pandemic, the newsletter “Your Local Epidemiologist” has blossomed into a trusted, wide-ranging science source to more than 250,000 followers. In this event, the newsletter’s founder, epidemiologist and data scientist Katelyn Jetelina, speaks about how public health leaders can cut through misinformation and partisanship with effective, empathetic communication."

Organization:

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Date:

October 28, 2024

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Article

9 local story ideas from the 2024 Lancet Countdown report on climate change and health

"Health threats from climate change are reaching record-breaking levels, affecting people in every country, according to the eighth annual Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report, which provides an up-to-date assessment of the links between health and climate change." This explainer from The Journalist's Resource highlights major findings from the report and offers nine story ideas for local journalists based on its research.

Awards

NFPW Professional Communications Contest

National Federation of Press Women

The NFPW National Communications Contest is open to writers regardless of gender, professional status, or location. Categories include writing, editing, photography, web and social media, and more. Entrants apply at the state level to affiliate organizations in their state; first-place winners from the state-level contest then move to the national level. For the 2025 contest, work must be published or broadcast between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Deadlines: Early-bird deadline is January 29, final deadline for books is February 5, and final deadline for other work is February 19.

Resource Database / Guide

Tip sheet: The story behind award-winning stories: A conversation with Usha Lee McFarling

CASW Connector

When it comes to finding story ideas, Usha Lee McFarling has a simple tip: “Have your curiosity hat on,” she says. McFarling, national science correspondent for STAT, was the featured guest at an October 9 Connector Chat. She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including being part of a team that won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in explanatory journalism. Most recently, McFarling was named the recipient of the 2024 Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting. Facilitating the conversation was Steve Padilla, writing coach and Column One editor at the Los Angeles Times.

Tip sheet: The story behind award-winning stories: A conversation with Usha Lee McFarling

Summary:

When it comes to finding story ideas, Usha Lee McFarling has a simple tip: “Have your curiosity hat on,” she says. McFarling, national science correspondent for STAT, was the featured guest at an October 9 Connector Chat. She has won numerous awards throughout her career, including being part of a team that won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in explanatory journalism. Most recently, McFarling was named the recipient of the 2024 Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting. Facilitating the conversation was Steve Padilla, writing coach and Column One editor at the Los Angeles Times.

Organization:

CASW Connector

Date:

October 23, 2024

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Fellowships & Grants

Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards

Wellcome Collection

"The Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards aims to find and support writers from underrepresented groups, who have a big idea for a non-fiction book for general readers, that engages with the themes of health and being human. The Awards will support 6 writers in 2025." Applications for the 2025 awards are due on November 11, 2024.

Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards

Summary:

"The Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards aims to find and support writers from underrepresented groups, who have a big idea for a non-fiction book for general readers, that engages with the themes of health and being human. The Awards will support 6 writers in 2025." Applications for the 2025 awards are due on November 11, 2024.

Organization:

Wellcome Collection

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Resource Database / Guide

Insights and practical considerations for communicating basic science

Kavli Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy

This report provides "a synthesis of five years’ worth of themes, takeaways, tips, and new questions to explore going forward for basic scientists, science communicators, communications trainers, social science researchers, and more." It summarizes discussions from the Science Public Engagement Partnership, a collaboration between the Kavli Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Insights and practical considerations for communicating basic science

Summary:

This report provides "a synthesis of five years’ worth of themes, takeaways, tips, and new questions to explore going forward for basic scientists, science communicators, communications trainers, social science researchers, and more." It summarizes discussions from the Science Public Engagement Partnership, a collaboration between the Kavli Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Organization:

Kavli Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy

Date:

October 17, 2024

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Fellowships & Grants

Maria Leptin/EMBO Science Journalism Fellowships

European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)

"Maria Leptin | EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) Science Journalism Fellowships support science journalists and life scientists entering careers as science journalists covering life science research. Fellows receive stipends for a duration of three to twelve months to fund their stays in media outlets of any type, editorial offices, or research institutions that make the fellows advance in their careers as science journalists." To be eligible, applicants must reside in one of the 31 EMBO member states and must be applying for internships or volunteer positions in science journalism. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Maria Leptin/EMBO Science Journalism Fellowships

Summary:

"Maria Leptin | EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) Science Journalism Fellowships support science journalists and life scientists entering careers as science journalists covering life science research. Fellows receive stipends for a duration of three to twelve months to fund their stays in media outlets of any type, editorial offices, or research institutions that make the fellows advance in their careers as science journalists." To be eligible, applicants must reside in one of the 31 EMBO member states and must be applying for internships or volunteer positions in science journalism. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Organization:

European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)

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Resource Database / Guide

The Public Health Communicators Guide to Misinformation

Public Health Communications Collaborative

"Building continued trust in public health requires communicators to learn how to identify false narratives and respond with clarity, accurate information, and accessible language. This guide, developed by the Public Health Communications Collaborative in partnership with the Infodemiology Training Program, provides foundational insights into the current misinformation landscape and an overview of tools for assessing risk and determining responses."

The Public Health Communicators Guide to Misinformation

Summary:

"Building continued trust in public health requires communicators to learn how to identify false narratives and respond with clarity, accurate information, and accessible language. This guide, developed by the Public Health Communications Collaborative in partnership with the Infodemiology Training Program, provides foundational insights into the current misinformation landscape and an overview of tools for assessing risk and determining responses."

Organization:

Public Health Communications Collaborative

Date:

September 18, 2024

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Podcast

Why a science magazine went political

STAT News

"For several years now, newspapers have been moving away from a longstanding tradition: endorsing candidates for political office... But Scientific American is bucking the trend. In 2020, for the first time, the 179-year-old magazine endorsed Joe Biden for president. They followed suit this year, endorsing Kamala Harris. In both 2020 and 2024, the move spurred a great deal of discussion about scientific objectivity, journalistic objectivity, and the point of endorsements. To learn more about the decision to endorse and the process behind it, I spoke with Scientific American editor-in-chief Laura Helmuth and chief opinion editor Megha Satyanarayana (formerly of STAT)."

Why a science magazine went political

Summary:

"For several years now, newspapers have been moving away from a longstanding tradition: endorsing candidates for political office... But Scientific American is bucking the trend. In 2020, for the first time, the 179-year-old magazine endorsed Joe Biden for president. They followed suit this year, endorsing Kamala Harris. In both 2020 and 2024, the move spurred a great deal of discussion about scientific objectivity, journalistic objectivity, and the point of endorsements. To learn more about the decision to endorse and the process behind it, I spoke with Scientific American editor-in-chief Laura Helmuth and chief opinion editor Megha Satyanarayana (formerly of STAT)."

Organization:

STAT News

Date:

October 9, 2024

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Resource Database / Guide

The Climate Blueprint

Covering Climate Now, Solutions Journalism Network

This collection of articles includes reflections from leading climate journalists about how to better cover the all-encompassing climate crisis. It includes connecting climate to every beat, engagement, visualization, disinformation, local journalism, identifying impact, collaborations, and more. The project was led by Solutions Journalism Network and Covering Climate Now, following discussions from a conference in fall 2023.

The Climate Blueprint

Summary:

This collection of articles includes reflections from leading climate journalists about how to better cover the all-encompassing climate crisis. It includes connecting climate to every beat, engagement, visualization, disinformation, local journalism, identifying impact, collaborations, and more. The project was led by Solutions Journalism Network and Covering Climate Now, following discussions from a conference in fall 2023.

Organization:

Covering Climate Now, Solutions Journalism Network

Date:

September 26, 2024

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Video

CivicSciTV Network – YouTube

Civic Science Media Lab

CivicSciTV is a broadcasting network built and managed by the Civic Science Media Lab (CS Media Lab) that is mapping the civic nature of science which pertains to how science and its practitioners are interacting with local communities to solve real-world problems and foster informed decision-making. Through the practice of civic science journalism, the primary goal for the network is to engage scholars and practitioners across the landscape to make new insights more accessible, informative, and actionable for scientists across different career stages, science engagement practitioners (science communicators, science journalists, science educators, funders, entrepreneurs) and other decision-makers. Additional coverage is also provided on print and radio. The CS Media Lab is directed by former neuroscientist turned civic science scholar-journalist Fanuel Muindi, who is a professor of practice in the College of Arts, Media, and Design (CAMD) at Northeastern University.

CivicSciTV Network – YouTube

Summary:

CivicSciTV is a broadcasting network built and managed by the Civic Science Media Lab (CS Media Lab) that is mapping the civic nature of science which pertains to how science and its practitioners are interacting with local communities to solve real-world problems and foster informed decision-making. Through the practice of civic science journalism, the primary goal for the network is to engage scholars and practitioners across the landscape to make new insights more accessible, informative, and actionable for scientists across different career stages, science engagement practitioners (science communicators, science journalists, science educators, funders, entrepreneurs) and other decision-makers. Additional coverage is also provided on print and radio. The CS Media Lab is directed by former neuroscientist turned civic science scholar-journalist Fanuel Muindi, who is a professor of practice in the College of Arts, Media, and Design (CAMD) at Northeastern University.

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Civic Science Media Lab

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Video

Writing about climate change for kids

The Highlights Foundation

In this virtual event from The Highlights Foundation, authors Pam Courtney, Andrea Loney, and Crystal Allen discussed writing about climate change for children. The conversation identifies ways that "children’s books can offer a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between social justice, racial equity, and caring for our planet."

Writing about climate change for kids

Summary:

In this virtual event from The Highlights Foundation, authors Pam Courtney, Andrea Loney, and Crystal Allen discussed writing about climate change for children. The conversation identifies ways that "children’s books can offer a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between social justice, racial equity, and caring for our planet."

Organization:

The Highlights Foundation

Date:

August 13, 2024

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Article

Writing tips for kids: Nailing the art of science writing

Sam Lloyd, a scientist and children's book author, shares insights about science and nature writing for children. "When we are writing about science and nature, non-fiction offers us endless opportunities to observe and translate information from the real world into a format that children will enjoy and learn from," she writes.

Awards

Reed Environmental Writing Award

The Southern Environmental Law Center's annual Reed Environmental Writing Award "seeks to enhance public awareness of the value and vulnerability of the South’s natural treasures by giving special recognition to writers who most effectively tell the stories about the region’s environment." There are two categories: Book, for works of nonfiction (not self-published), and Journalism, for newspaper, magazine, and online writing that is published by a recognized institution such as a newspaper, university, or nonprofit organization. Entries must relate to the natural treasures or environmental challenges in at least one of SELC’s states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia. Winners will be invited to read from their winning entry at a special SELC event during the Virginia Festival of the Book, held every March in Charlottesville,Va. The deadline for the 2025 awards is October 1.

Reed Environmental Writing Award

Summary:

The Southern Environmental Law Center's annual Reed Environmental Writing Award "seeks to enhance public awareness of the value and vulnerability of the South’s natural treasures by giving special recognition to writers who most effectively tell the stories about the region’s environment." There are two categories: Book, for works of nonfiction (not self-published), and Journalism, for newspaper, magazine, and online writing that is published by a recognized institution such as a newspaper, university, or nonprofit organization. Entries must relate to the natural treasures or environmental challenges in at least one of SELC’s states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia. Winners will be invited to read from their winning entry at a special SELC event during the Virginia Festival of the Book, held every March in Charlottesville,Va. The deadline for the 2025 awards is October 1.

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Newsletter

Cracking the Code: How to Navigate Trust in Science Conversations

American Chemical Society (ACS)

"The Cracking the Code: How to Navigate Trust in Science Conversations email course is here to equip you with the tools and skills you need to foster trust in science through meaningful conversations. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just passionate about scientific topics, you'll learn how to engage in constructive dialogues, listen actively with empathy, and navigate potentially divisive discussions with confidence." This asynchronous email course is delivered weekly over seven weeks.

Cracking the Code: How to Navigate Trust in Science Conversations

Summary:

"The Cracking the Code: How to Navigate Trust in Science Conversations email course is here to equip you with the tools and skills you need to foster trust in science through meaningful conversations. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just passionate about scientific topics, you'll learn how to engage in constructive dialogues, listen actively with empathy, and navigate potentially divisive discussions with confidence." This asynchronous email course is delivered weekly over seven weeks.

Organization:

American Chemical Society (ACS)

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For:

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Resource Database / Guide

A practical guide to planning an engagement strategy for your global health research funding application

"This Mesh practical guide outlines how to plan a Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI*) strategy for a grant application. The guide describes how many global health funding agencies demand that CEI is fully integrated into any proposed research and it outlines some ways of engaging communities and relevant stakeholders whilst preparing a funding application. It also describes what to include in a thoughtful and appropriate engagement strategy that is integrated into research."

A practical guide to planning an engagement strategy for your global health research funding application

Summary:

"This Mesh practical guide outlines how to plan a Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI*) strategy for a grant application. The guide describes how many global health funding agencies demand that CEI is fully integrated into any proposed research and it outlines some ways of engaging communities and relevant stakeholders whilst preparing a funding application. It also describes what to include in a thoughtful and appropriate engagement strategy that is integrated into research."

Published By:

Mesh Community Engagement Network

Date:

June 5, 2024

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Article

Repetition makes climate misinformation feel more true — even for those who back climate science

"Climate misinformation may be more effective than we’d like to think because of a phenomenon called the illusory truth effect. In short, we are more likely to believe a lie if we encounter it repeatedly. Worse, the effect works immediately — a lie seems to be more true even after just one repetition." This article in Nieman Lab summarizes a recent paper by the same authors (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0307294) in which the researchers put the illusory truth effect to the test among people with strongly held existing beliefs.

Repetition makes climate misinformation feel more true — even for those who back climate science

Summary:

"Climate misinformation may be more effective than we’d like to think because of a phenomenon called the illusory truth effect. In short, we are more likely to believe a lie if we encounter it repeatedly. Worse, the effect works immediately — a lie seems to be more true even after just one repetition." This article in Nieman Lab summarizes a recent paper by the same authors (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0307294) in which the researchers put the illusory truth effect to the test among people with strongly held existing beliefs.

Published By:

NiemanLab

Date:

August 12, 2024

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Article

Mpox: An explainer and research roundup

"A handful of researchers tried to notify the international community about a brewing problem with mpox, but their reports went mostly unnoticed until an outbreak in the United Kingdom in May 2022." This piece, first published in 2022, was updated in August 2024 given new alerts and emergency declarations from the U.S. CDC, Africa CDC, and World Health Organization.

Fellowships & Grants

Princeton University Press book proposal grants

Princeton University Press

These grants from Princeton University Press support authors from under-represented groups in STEM working on nonfiction books about science topics. Grantees receive coaching from Princeton University Press editors and consideration for publication. Both first-time and previously published authors are eligible. The application deadline for the 2024 grant cycle is October 11.

Princeton University Press book proposal grants

Summary:

These grants from Princeton University Press support authors from under-represented groups in STEM working on nonfiction books about science topics. Grantees receive coaching from Princeton University Press editors and consideration for publication. Both first-time and previously published authors are eligible. The application deadline for the 2024 grant cycle is October 11.

Organization:

Princeton University Press

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Find a resource

Library

National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science

Building Trust in Science: A One-Day Conference for a More Informed Future

Spreading Love Through the Media: Request for Proposals

Landing the story: Tips for PIOs working with journalists

Science Talk ’25

Communicating science to a skeptical public: “Your Local Epidemiologist” Katelyn Jetelina

9 local story ideas from the 2024 Lancet Countdown report on climate change and health

NFPW Professional Communications Contest

Tip sheet: The story behind award-winning stories: A conversation with Usha Lee McFarling

Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards

Insights and practical considerations for communicating basic science

Maria Leptin/EMBO Science Journalism Fellowships

The Public Health Communicators Guide to Misinformation

Why a science magazine went political

The Climate Blueprint

CivicSciTV Network – YouTube

Writing about climate change for kids

Writing tips for kids: Nailing the art of science writing

Reed Environmental Writing Award

A practical guide to planning an engagement strategy for your global health research funding application

Repetition makes climate misinformation feel more true — even for those who back climate science

Mpox: An explainer and research roundup

Princeton University Press book proposal grants