Science communicators Archives

Article

How to report on the COVID-19 uptick when the public says ‘meh’

AHCJ

"In this late stage of the pandemic, it may feel challenging to keep COVID-19 stories fresh for a fatigued public. But COVID-19 is here to stay, so it may help to think of COVID-19 stories much as you would your annual flu stories: Even if it feels as though you’ve written it before, your audience needs the information again about how rates are trending, tips on reducing risk of infection, and what’s going on with vaccines and boosters."

How to report on the COVID-19 uptick when the public says ‘meh’

Summary:

"In this late stage of the pandemic, it may feel challenging to keep COVID-19 stories fresh for a fatigued public. But COVID-19 is here to stay, so it may help to think of COVID-19 stories much as you would your annual flu stories: Even if it feels as though you’ve written it before, your audience needs the information again about how rates are trending, tips on reducing risk of infection, and what’s going on with vaccines and boosters."

Organization:

AHCJ

Author:

Tara Haelle

Published By:

Covering Health

Date:

August 16, 2023

Category:

Topical resources

For:

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Article

How scientists can help reporters cover disasters

This interview between journalist Dan Falk and ocean chemist Christopher Reddy discusses what reporters and researchers can do to better work together on covering natural disasters and other scientific events with major impacts. "I’ll tell [colleagues] that journalists and scientists have a lot more in common — we both like to chase, we both like to investigate, and we like to write up what we find, and do it in a clever way, that people leave nourished," Reddy says.

Science writing example

Battle of the Ash Borer

CASW

Matthew Miller’s story about scientists’ efforts to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer won an AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award in 2015. The story focuses on research and conservation efforts in Lansing, Michigan, where the Lansing State Journal is based.

Science writing example

The Quantum Source of Space-Time

CASW

Ron Cowen’s story about the entanglement of fundamental particles won an award from the American Institute of Physics in 2016. The story profiles researchers whose discoveries helped to connect quantum mechanics and the study of gravity. Cowen is a freelance science writer who specializes in physics and astronomy.

Science writing example

The Ultimate Sacrifice

CASW

This story by Ann Gibbons covers research into human sacrifice, spanning different locations and research teams. Gibbons, who was a contributing correspondent for Science magazine at the time, won a National Academies Keck Future Initiative Communication award in 2013 for the story.

Workshop

Conversations on trust in science and technology

University of Waterloo

This event featured Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland, who spoke on the importance of trust in science and technology, followed by a panel discussion with Canada Research Chair Ashley Mehlenbacher, and University of Waterloo's Dean of Engineering Mary Wells. The lecture launched a new scholarly network at the University of Waterloo, called the "Trust in Research Undertaken in Science and Technology (TRuST)" network. Find more details and a link to a video of the event at the link below.

Science writing example

What Happened to the Poster Children of OxyContin?

CASW

This story — one in a series on financial conflicts of interest in medical research — was part of a package that won CASW’s Victor Cohn Prize in 2013 for John Fauber, who has been the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s medical reporter since 1996. As of 2019, Ellen Gabler is an investigative reporter at The New York Times.

Resource Database / Guide

SciComm Lexicon: A visual science communication glossary

The SciComm Lexicon is a glossary of more than 170 terms, many of them illustrated, that "will help scientists and communicators alike better understand, reflect on and apply the concepts or best practices of science communication." The creators will soon release a graphic novel called "The SciComm Letters" as well.

Workshop

Are Facts Enough? The Power of Community – Annual science literacy workshop

Gairdner Foundation, Canadian Association of Science Centres

"The Gairdner Foundation's second annual Science Literacy Workshop is back on September 21! In partnership with the Canadian Association of Science Centres' ScienceUpFirst initiative and RCIScience, and sponsored by the Government of Canada and CIHR and TELUS Health, this free, in-person workshop will explore what science literacy is and its role in building science culture. Join us during Science Literacy Week as we seek to uncover the power of community, and how researchers and science communicators can work with and within communities to foster science culture from the ground up. This interactive workshop is a unique opportunity to network and collaborate." Attendees can join in-person (and receive free dinner) or watch the event online through a livestream.

Resource Database / Guide

Finding diverse sources for science stories

The Open Notebook has compiled a number of resources and strategies that reporters can use to ensure their stories include more diverse voices, and are more accurate and complete as a result. "Strategies for finding diverse sources can include drawing on publicly available scientist databases, social media accounts and hashtags, affinity organizations in STEM, sources, colleagues, public information officers, expert-referral services, and online discussion groups. We also suggest ways for editors to support reporters’ efforts to include more diverse sources, including by creating a newsroom culture that welcomes collaborative discussion about diversity (in sourcing and other respects), by setting and tracking goals, and by encouraging and concretely supporting reporters’ sourcing efforts."

Finding diverse sources for science stories

Summary:

The Open Notebook has compiled a number of resources and strategies that reporters can use to ensure their stories include more diverse voices, and are more accurate and complete as a result. "Strategies for finding diverse sources can include drawing on publicly available scientist databases, social media accounts and hashtags, affinity organizations in STEM, sources, colleagues, public information officers, expert-referral services, and online discussion groups. We also suggest ways for editors to support reporters’ efforts to include more diverse sources, including by creating a newsroom culture that welcomes collaborative discussion about diversity (in sourcing and other respects), by setting and tracking goals, and by encouraging and concretely supporting reporters’ sourcing efforts."

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Category:

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Newsletter

Scienseed Newsletter

This monthly newsletter, from science and technology communications company Scienseed, delivers news, tools, research updates, and other information for science communicators. Scienseed is an international company based in Spain.

Resource Database / Guide

Diverse Databases: 100+ databases featuring talent from underrepresented groups

Editors of Color

"As we move toward a more equitable world, every industry is going to need new networks and resources to help them connect with talented people of color. In the spirit of this shared goal, Editors of Color is pleased to provide links to other databases of diverse talent." The list includes diverse sources in science, health, tech, political science, and much more.

Source database

Disabled Writers database

Disabled Writers

"Our goal is to promote paid opportunities for multiply marginalized members of the disability community, and to encourage editors and journalists to think of disabled people for stories that stretch beyond disability issues. This resource is specifically designed to help editors connect with disabled people working in journalism, or trying to break into the field. It also includes disabled experts who are available to serve as sources, such as attorneys, physicians, social workers, artists, and others with professional experience or education that makes them expert sources in their fields."

Disabled Writers database

Summary:

"Our goal is to promote paid opportunities for multiply marginalized members of the disability community, and to encourage editors and journalists to think of disabled people for stories that stretch beyond disability issues. This resource is specifically designed to help editors connect with disabled people working in journalism, or trying to break into the field. It also includes disabled experts who are available to serve as sources, such as attorneys, physicians, social workers, artists, and others with professional experience or education that makes them expert sources in their fields."

Organization:

Disabled Writers

Category:

For:

VISIT

Source database

Diverse Sources: Science, health, and environment experts available on deadline

"Diverse Sources is a searchable database of underrepresented experts in the areas of science, health and the environment. Anyone who considers themselves underrepresented and is willing to respond to journalists on deadline is encouraged to join (including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, language, mental health experience, nationality, physical abilities, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, etc.)."

Diverse Sources: Science, health, and environment experts available on deadline

Summary:

"Diverse Sources is a searchable database of underrepresented experts in the areas of science, health and the environment. Anyone who considers themselves underrepresented and is willing to respond to journalists on deadline is encouraged to join (including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, language, mental health experience, nationality, physical abilities, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, etc.)."

Category:

For:

VISIT

Source database

NPR Diverse Sources Database

National Public Radio (NPR)

"The Diverse Sources Database is NPR’s resource for journalists who believe in the value of diversity and share our goal to make public radio look and sound like America. Originally called Source of the Week, the database launched in 2013 as a way help journalists at NPR and member stations expand the racial/ethnic diversity of the experts they tap for stories." This database is maintained by the NPR Training team, who note that checking LinkedIn and/or Twitter for a source's current affiliation may be helpful before reaching out.

NPR Diverse Sources Database

Summary:

"The Diverse Sources Database is NPR’s resource for journalists who believe in the value of diversity and share our goal to make public radio look and sound like America. Originally called Source of the Week, the database launched in 2013 as a way help journalists at NPR and member stations expand the racial/ethnic diversity of the experts they tap for stories." This database is maintained by the NPR Training team, who note that checking LinkedIn and/or Twitter for a source's current affiliation may be helpful before reaching out.

Organization:

National Public Radio (NPR)

Category:

For:

VISIT

Organization

Science Editor

Science Editor is a magazine published by the Council of Science Editors (CSE). New issues are published quarterly, in print and online. "The mission of Science Editor is to provide editors and staff with the knowledge, skills, and concepts they need to run the best version of their journal or other publication in pursuit of improving the scientific literature."

Organization

EurekAlert! – Science news service

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

"EurekAlert! is a nonprofit news-release distribution platform operated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as a resource for journalists and the public. EurekAlert! hosts news releases produced by universities, journal publishers, medical centers, government agencies, corporations, and other organizations engaged in all disciplines of scientific research. News releases must meet EurekAlert!'s longstanding eligibility guidelines in order to be accepted and hosted on the website."

EurekAlert! – Science news service

Summary:

"EurekAlert! is a nonprofit news-release distribution platform operated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as a resource for journalists and the public. EurekAlert! hosts news releases produced by universities, journal publishers, medical centers, government agencies, corporations, and other organizations engaged in all disciplines of scientific research. News releases must meet EurekAlert!'s longstanding eligibility guidelines in order to be accepted and hosted on the website."

Organization:

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Category:

For:

VISIT

Organization

Council of Science Editors (CSE)

"The Council of Science Editors (CSE) is an international membership organization for editorial professionals publishing in the sciences. Our purpose is to serve over 800 members in the scientific, scientific publishing, and information science communities by fostering networking, education, discussion, and exchange. Our aim is to be an authoritative resource on current and emerging issues in the communication of scientific information."

Article

How — and why — to write a science news release

Council of Science Editors (CSE)

"Researchers write journal articles to share information about what they’ve learned and how they’ve learned it. But those articles are only able to impart that information if people read them. The role of a news release, in this context, is to raise awareness of a new discovery via established news media outlets (even if that discovery is a negative result). Put in more practical terms, the role of the news release is to get reporters interested in writing about new research findings, with the resulting news stories letting a much broader potential audience know that the related journal article exists. So, whether you are a journal editor, a researcher whose work is being highlighted, or someone tasked with writing science news releases, it is important to understand how these releases are developed."

Conference

AMWA 2023: Medical Writing & Communication Conference

American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)

The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)'s annual conference includes training sessions and networking opportunities. Topics for the 2023 meeting include regulatory writing, health communication, scientific publications, career development, freelancing, grant writing, and more.

Academic program

University of Edinburgh: MSc in science communication and public engagement

University of Edinburgh

Masters degree in science communication: "The University of Edinburgh supports a vibrant culture of science communication and public engagement and has considerable expertise across a range of science communication and public engagement practice; from dissemination of knowledge to dialogue and policy." This program does not specialize in marketing, advertising, or corporate communication.

University of Edinburgh: MSc in science communication and public engagement

Summary:

Masters degree in science communication: "The University of Edinburgh supports a vibrant culture of science communication and public engagement and has considerable expertise across a range of science communication and public engagement practice; from dissemination of knowledge to dialogue and policy." This program does not specialize in marketing, advertising, or corporate communication.

Organization:

University of Edinburgh

Location:

Edinburgh, Scotland

Category:

Training

For:

VISIT

Organization

American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)

"The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) is the resource for professional medical communicators, promoting excellence in medical communication and providing educational resources in support of that goal. Founded in 1940, AMWA is the leading professional organization for writers, editors, and other communicators of medical information." Members receive access to resources, networking opportunities, and the organization's annual conference.

Conference

American Association for the Advancement of Science: Annual Meeting 2024

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

The AAAS Annual Meeting is one of the largest science conferences in the world. As such, it typically draws many science journalists and communicators who cover meeting talks and participate in networking events, such as the Kavli Awards reception. About the 2024 meeting, AAAS President and Chair Keith Yamamoto writes: "The Annual Meeting theme, Toward Science Without Walls, will explore the consequences of barriers that currently fragment our community, separating us by discipline, approach, institution, nation, access, wealth, seniority, race, and gender. We will consider solutions, and envision a seamless ecosystem that would drive more innovative, equitable, rapid, open science and technology."

Resource Database / Guide

Epic list of math communicators

"There is an abundance of amazing channels, websites, and organizations dedicated to making math accessible and engaging. So I decided to compile a list of over 100 math communication resources," list author Suzza Silver writes. Silver includes videos, podcasts, books, articles, websites, and more. The list is built in Notion, so users of the web app can make their own copy of the list.

Conference

Talking Maths in Public

Talking Maths in Public is a U.K.-based conference that runs every two years for people who work in, or otherwise participate in, communicating mathematics to the public. The event is independently organized, and funded by ticket sales and grants from mathematical institutions. TMiP is run by an independent committee of people who work in different areas of math communication, and the event includes workshops provided by expert guests, discussions on varied topics, networking sessions and chances to share ideas and showcase projects. For those in the U.S., you can learn about and join an effort to create a U.S. based conference inspired by TMiP here: https://mathcommunications.com/

Talking Maths in Public

Summary:

Talking Maths in Public is a U.K.-based conference that runs every two years for people who work in, or otherwise participate in, communicating mathematics to the public. The event is independently organized, and funded by ticket sales and grants from mathematical institutions. TMiP is run by an independent committee of people who work in different areas of math communication, and the event includes workshops provided by expert guests, discussions on varied topics, networking sessions and chances to share ideas and showcase projects. For those in the U.S., you can learn about and join an effort to create a U.S. based conference inspired by TMiP here: https://mathcommunications.com/

Location:

Newcastle University, U.K.

Dates:

August 31, 2023 - September 2, 2023

Category:

For:

VISIT

Find a resource

Library

How to report on the COVID-19 uptick when the public says ‘meh’

How scientists can help reporters cover disasters

Battle of the Ash Borer

The Quantum Source of Space-Time

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Conversations on trust in science and technology

What Happened to the Poster Children of OxyContin?

SciComm Lexicon: A visual science communication glossary

Are Facts Enough? The Power of Community – Annual science literacy workshop

Finding diverse sources for science stories

Diverse Databases: 100+ databases featuring talent from underrepresented groups

Disabled Writers database

Diverse Sources: Science, health, and environment experts available on deadline

NPR Diverse Sources Database

Science Editor

EurekAlert! – Science news service

Council of Science Editors (CSE)

How — and why — to write a science news release

AMWA 2023: Medical Writing & Communication Conference

University of Edinburgh: MSc in science communication and public engagement

American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)

American Association for the Advancement of Science: Annual Meeting 2024

Epic list of math communicators

Talking Maths in Public