Science communicators Archives

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.

Organization:

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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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.

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Princeton University Press

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Video

Engaging the public on LGBTQ health: A conversation with journalist Erin Reed

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

In this virtual event presented by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and LGBTQ Health Center of Excellence, journalist and activist Erin Reed spoke to Ivan Hsiao, founder of Trans Health HQ. They discussed "ways to translate and disseminate research about LGBTQ health for policy and public discourse, combat misinformation and disinformation, and support progress toward a more equitable future for the LGBTQ community."

Engaging the public on LGBTQ health: A conversation with journalist Erin Reed

Summary:

In this virtual event presented by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and LGBTQ Health Center of Excellence, journalist and activist Erin Reed spoke to Ivan Hsiao, founder of Trans Health HQ. They discussed "ways to translate and disseminate research about LGBTQ health for policy and public discourse, combat misinformation and disinformation, and support progress toward a more equitable future for the LGBTQ community."

Organization:

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Date:

July 24, 2024

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Video

Talking shop: When debunking climate disinformation gets labeled “censorship”

Covering Climate Now

"Increasingly, disinformation peddlers are protecting their lies by accusing anyone who fact-checks or debunks climate disinformation of censorship, bias, or being anti–free speech and debate. How can journalists preempt such charges, or deal with them, as we continue to tackle climate disinformation on the beat? In this press briefing, co-sponsored by Covering Climate Now and Climate Action Against Disinformation, experts detailed strategies used by disinformers to discredit journalists and how you can protect your reporting and serve your audiences. Kendra Pierre-Louis of Bloomberg; Marco Silva of BBC News; and Wudan Yan, freelance journalist, fact-checker, and entrepreneur, joined moderator Amy Westervelt, executive editor of Drilled, for a one-hour conversation."

Talking shop: When debunking climate disinformation gets labeled “censorship”

Summary:

"Increasingly, disinformation peddlers are protecting their lies by accusing anyone who fact-checks or debunks climate disinformation of censorship, bias, or being anti–free speech and debate. How can journalists preempt such charges, or deal with them, as we continue to tackle climate disinformation on the beat? In this press briefing, co-sponsored by Covering Climate Now and Climate Action Against Disinformation, experts detailed strategies used by disinformers to discredit journalists and how you can protect your reporting and serve your audiences. Kendra Pierre-Louis of Bloomberg; Marco Silva of BBC News; and Wudan Yan, freelance journalist, fact-checker, and entrepreneur, joined moderator Amy Westervelt, executive editor of Drilled, for a one-hour conversation."

Organization:

Covering Climate Now

Date:

June 18, 2024

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Video

Trust in science: Understanding the trends and implications for science communication

National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine

"Recent survey data show declines in trust in science that mirror earlier trends for other institutions, including journalism and government. New research is shedding additional light on those patterns and illuminating some of the mechanisms that underlie the aggregated trends." In this May 30, 2024, National Academies webinar, researchers considered the differences between credibility, confidence, and trust; described new empirical findings; and discussed the implications for how to communicate science in a complex information landscape. Moderated by Mariette DiChristina of Boston University, panelists are Katherine Ognyanova of Rutgers University, Arthur Lupia of the University of Michigan, and Liz Hamel of KFF.

Trust in science: Understanding the trends and implications for science communication

Summary:

"Recent survey data show declines in trust in science that mirror earlier trends for other institutions, including journalism and government. New research is shedding additional light on those patterns and illuminating some of the mechanisms that underlie the aggregated trends." In this May 30, 2024, National Academies webinar, researchers considered the differences between credibility, confidence, and trust; described new empirical findings; and discussed the implications for how to communicate science in a complex information landscape. Moderated by Mariette DiChristina of Boston University, panelists are Katherine Ognyanova of Rutgers University, Arthur Lupia of the University of Michigan, and Liz Hamel of KFF.

Organization:

National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine

Date:

May 30, 2024

Category:

Journalism and communication practice

For:

VISIT

Video

Making obscure animals and ecosystems compelling main characters

SEJ

Pandas and forests are out. Moths and peatlands are in. During this session at the 2024 Society of Environmental Journalists annual meeting, a panel of wildlife writers discussed how to get readers deeply invested in stories about wildlife and ecosystems that are not traditionally charismatic. These could be obscure creatures and places that some readers have never heard of, or animals that many people consider icky pests.

Making obscure animals and ecosystems compelling main characters

Summary:

Pandas and forests are out. Moths and peatlands are in. During this session at the 2024 Society of Environmental Journalists annual meeting, a panel of wildlife writers discussed how to get readers deeply invested in stories about wildlife and ecosystems that are not traditionally charismatic. These could be obscure creatures and places that some readers have never heard of, or animals that many people consider icky pests.

Organization:

SEJ

Date:

April 4, 2024

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Article

What’s a nationally representative sample? 5 things you need to know to report accurately on research

"Journalists can’t report accurately on research involving human subjects without knowing certain details about the sample of people researchers studied. It’s important to know, for example, whether researchers used a nationally representative sample." This article explains what a nationally representative sample is, why this is important, and how journalists can evaluate such samples when covering research papers.

Resource Database / Guide

Tip sheet: Reporting on hot-button topics as a science writer: Lessons from abortion coverage

CASW Connector, The Journalist's Resource

On July 11, CASW Connector and The Journalist’s Resource hosted a Chat discussing how journalists can better cover hot-button topics, focusing on abortion as an example of a medical topic that has become increasingly political. The panelists shared lessons from their research and reporting, offered guidance for journalists covering abortion, and answered questions from the audience. The event was moderated by Naseem Miller, senior health editor at The Journalist’s Resource, and the panelists were Sarah McCammon, national political correspondent at NPR who covers abortion policy among other divisive topics, and Katie Woodruff, public health social scientist in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Services at the University of California, San Francisco.

Tip sheet: Reporting on hot-button topics as a science writer: Lessons from abortion coverage

Summary:

On July 11, CASW Connector and The Journalist’s Resource hosted a Chat discussing how journalists can better cover hot-button topics, focusing on abortion as an example of a medical topic that has become increasingly political. The panelists shared lessons from their research and reporting, offered guidance for journalists covering abortion, and answered questions from the audience. The event was moderated by Naseem Miller, senior health editor at The Journalist’s Resource, and the panelists were Sarah McCammon, national political correspondent at NPR who covers abortion policy among other divisive topics, and Katie Woodruff, public health social scientist in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Services at the University of California, San Francisco.

Organization:

CASW Connector, The Journalist's Resource

Date:

July 18, 2024

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Conference

UK Conference of Science Journalists 2024

Association of British Science Writers (ABSW)

This biennial conference, organized by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), provides science journalists and writers with professional development and networking opportunities. The 2024 conference will take place on Tuesday, October 15, at the Francis Crick Institute in London. Early bird tickets are available through the end of July, and ABSW also offers diversity scholarships for writers from underrepresented groups.

Organization

Science Media Centre

"The Science Media Centre is New Zealand’s trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to research, science, and innovation." The organization helps to connect journalists and scientists, offers resources and trainings, provides networking opportunities, recognizes excellent science journalism, and more.

Science Media Centre

Summary:

"The Science Media Centre is New Zealand’s trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to research, science, and innovation." The organization helps to connect journalists and scientists, offers resources and trainings, provides networking opportunities, recognizes excellent science journalism, and more.

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For:

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Book

Engaging With the Press: A Guide for Perplexed Readers and Sources

"We train scientists and health professionals to collect and analyze evidence. Yet we’re far less intentional about equipping them to credibly communicate it in an increasingly skeptical and fragmented world." This resource, by veteran news executive Richard J. (Dick) Tofel, aims to address this challenge by preparing scientists, health professionals, and other sources of the news media to better understand the world of journalism and how they can engage with it. It describes the motivations of reporters, editors, and publishers; how material from sources is received; challenges for readers and sources, and more.

Find a resource

Library

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

Engaging the public on LGBTQ health: A conversation with journalist Erin Reed

Talking shop: When debunking climate disinformation gets labeled “censorship”

Trust in science: Understanding the trends and implications for science communication

Making obscure animals and ecosystems compelling main characters

What’s a nationally representative sample? 5 things you need to know to report accurately on research

Tip sheet: Reporting on hot-button topics as a science writer: Lessons from abortion coverage

UK Conference of Science Journalists 2024

Science Media Centre

Engaging With the Press: A Guide for Perplexed Readers and Sources