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Topic: Getting started
Training program

SAS Science: A New Program for Emerging Science Writers

"As South Asia Speaks heads into its sixth year, we’re delighted to announce a new program: SAS Science. Modelled after our flagship mentorship, SAS Science is a year-long program designed to support emerging science writers with one-on-one mentoring, masterclasses and workshops. Fellows will be paired with an established author and receive mentorship for a full year. Like everything we do at SAS, this program is free. Our goal is to identify and support emerging writers in South Asia, make them globally competitive, and help them publish their first books." The program runs from June 2026 to March 2027. Deadline: March 30, 2026.
Fellowships & Grants

C&EN’s Editorial Fellowship Program

Chemical & Engineering News

"C&EN covers what's new in the world of chemistry, including stories about drug development, new materials for electronics, solutions to mitigate climate change, and much more. Each year we invite a paid editorial fellow to work alongside C&EN's seasoned reporters, developing bylined news and feature stories for C&EN’s website, weekly print magazine, and podcast. Past fellows have contributed magazine features, breaking news, podcast episodes, and videos. C&EN's Editorial Fellowship Program provides a launch pad for the next generation of science journalists." The six-month fellowship begins in June. Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025. Applications re-open in early 2026.
Article

How To Read a Scientific Paper

"Here’s how to decode any research paper. These tips and tricks will work whether you’re covering developmental biology or deep-space exploration. The key is to familiarize yourself with the framework in which scientists describe their discoveries, and to not let yourself get bogged down in detail as you’re trying to understand the overarching point of it all."
Article

Trading the Pipette for the Pen: Transitioning From Science to Science Writing

"Making the transition to science writing can seem intimidating; it certainly requires determination and effort. But taking a few critical steps, like networking and honing your writing skills, can help make a scientist’s next experiment on the page a successful one."
Podcast

Climate Science, Journalism and Working Backwards To Get to Your Career With Kendra Pierre-Louis

For Environmental Professionals Radio (EPR), Nic Frederick and Laura Thorne interview Kendra Pierre Louis, climate reporter and author of Greenwashed, Why We Can't Buy Our Way to a Green Planet, about the steps that led her to journalism (at 8:01).
Podcast

How To Break Into Science Journalism

Essaypro Educational Podcasts

"In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Sofia Quaglia — an award-winning freelance science journalist whose work has appeared in top publications worldwide. Drawing from her experience navigating the competitive world of science writing, Sofia shares insider tips on how to break into science journalism, build your portfolio, pitch compelling stories, and thrive as a freelancer. Whether you’re a student, a budding reporter, or a professional looking to transition into science communication, this episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to make it in this fascinating field."
Training program

Sample Course Syllabus: Introduction to Science Writing

The Open Notebook

"Science journalists often learn the tricks of the trade by trial and error. But we firmly believe the basics of covering science, and covering it well, can also be taught. Whether you’re officially enrolled or a student at heart, this free resource rounds up years of insights from The Open Notebook into an easy-to-reference sample course syllabus. The syllabus tackles 12 topics that, all together, provide a foundational introduction to science writing. Each module includes recommended readings, discussion questions, assignments, and more."
Video

Videos on Science Writing

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing

  • Some advice is timeless. Check out David Perlman’s advice for science writers in this video interview from 2009.
  • CASW’s YouTube channel includes presentations from the 2017 World Conference of Science Journalists, ScienceWriters conferences, Patrusky Lectures,  online webinars and much more.
Article

Eight Tips From Environmental Reporters in Covering Climate Crisis

"Eight environmental reporters across the U.S. described how they cover the climate crisis in these days where the media space is overloaded with unverified information and social distrust is growing. Some of these journalists have been working on the beat for just a few years, others for 25 years. The reporters gave advice for those who have just entered or may be thinking of entering into this growing field of climate journalism."
Organization

Science Writers and Communicators of Canada

"Science Writers & Communicators of Canada (SWCC) was founded in 1970 as the Canadian Science Writers’ Association by a small group of science and medical reporters who recognized their role in helping other Canadians better understand rapid changes occurring in our world." You'll find resources for members and nonmembers for starting or expanding a career in science communication, an annual book awards contest (deadline was Oct. 31, 2025 extended to Nov. 7) and annual conference. The 2026 SWCC Annual Conference takes place June 15-16 at the Plaza Centre-Ville in Montréal, Quebec.
Article

Placenta-on-a-Chip: How One Reporter Explained the Complex Tech

AHCJ

"As the 2023-2024 Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellow at STAT, AHCJ member Deborah Balthazar, a freelance journalist, covered several stories about biotechnology. One recent article delved into how researchers are studying the impacts of drugs and toxins on pregnancy using a tiny model of the placenta in the lab, known as placenta-on-a-chip. 

It’s worth a read not only for an update on what’s happening in this fascinating area of investigation but also for Balthazar’s expert descriptions of this microtechnology, likening it to the size of “a rubber eraser, etched with tiny channels through which fluids move.”

Here, she tells AHCJ what inspired her story and offers advice for lively tech writing."

Newsletter

Your First Byline

"You want to get an entry-level job in journalism but you don't know where to start. We're here to help." Find tips and advice, and read stories about those who've gone before and how they forged a career in journalism, by Ryan Teague Beckwith, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
Academic program

Science Writing I: Online Class at UCLA Extension

"Learn what it takes to translate scientific concepts and discoveries into prose that readers can understand and enjoy." Amber Dance, an award-winning freelance science writer based in Southern California, teaches an introduction to science writing at UCLA Extension — live, online, evenings PT. Next class: January 13 - March 17, 2026. Email for information on future dates.
Resource Database / Guide

Resource Center – Global Investigative Journalism Network

Global Investigative Journalism Network

"GIJN’s Resource Center is here to help journalists expand their knowledge and skills. The Center holds more than 2,000 items in 14 languages – from tip sheets and guides to instructional videos. Use the menu on the right to navigate it or the search box below to find topics you’re interested in."

Fellowships & Grants

AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

"This 10-week summer program places science, engineering, and mathematics students at media organizations nationwide. Fellows use their academic training as they research, write, and report today’s headlines, sharpening their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues to the public." The program typically accepts applications in the fall for a fellowship in the summer of the next year, which includes trainings in Washington, D.C., and placement at a media organization. Upper-level undergrad students, graduate students, and postdocs in science and engineering fields are eligible to apply. The 2026 fellowship takes place June 3 – Aug. 18; apply by Jan. 1. Applications for Summer 2027 open Oct. 1, 2026.
Resource Database / Guide

Science Reporting Quick Tips — The Open Notebook & SciLine

SciLine, The Open Notebook

"To cover science well, journalists have to enter the scientific world a bit themselves, by reading research papers, interviewing scientists, and evaluating evidence. Whatever your background, these are concrete skills that any journalist can sharpen. To pave the way, The Open Notebook and SciLine have teamed up to distill key science reporting skills into a series of quick-hit resources for journalists with deadlines to meet." The series includes:
  • Bringing Scientific Evidence into Any Beat: Crime and Public Safety
  • Addressing Science-Related Misinformation and Disinformation
  • Covering Science-Related Policy
  • Vetting Scientific Sources
  • Vetting Science-Related Claims
  • Go-To Questions for Interviewing Scientists
  • Interviewing Scientist Sources
  • Planning Interviews with Scientist Sources
  • Making Sense of Scientific Studies
  • Stats Terms for Covering Science
  • Finding and Including Diverse Sources
  • Finding Expert Scientific Sources
Fellowships & Grants

The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship

The Open Notebook

"The Open Notebook offers a paid, part-time fellowship program for early-career science journalists. During the course of this fellowship, fellows work with a mentor to plan, report, and write articles for publication at The Open Notebook and become part of the TON editorial team. This one-year program offers fellows the opportunity to explore their career interests and passions and to sharpen their skills as part of a talented, supportive, diverse community of past and present fellows and mentors. This fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, which has supported this program since 2012." The next remote, part-time fellowship begins February 23, 2026, and includes a stipend of $6,600. Applications were due October 31, 2025. Applications for the 2027 fellowship will open in late September 2026.
Workshop

EurekAlert! Webinars for Journalists

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

EurekAlert!, the science press release service from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), offers a monthly webinar series for students and early-career science journalists to help these EurekAlert! members make the most of the service. Note: The webinars are free for members, and EurekAlert! membership is free.
Article

Science journalism internships for early career scientists

"Ever wondered what it’s like to swap a pipette for a pen? Imagine turning yours and other’s discoveries and passion for science into compelling stories that captivate a wider audience. Welcome to the thrilling world of science journalism, where your knack for curiosity and love for storytelling can take you from bench to byline." "I’ve collected a list of internships, mostly three-month or summer positions, that you should consider. If the opportunity doesn’t indicate that it will open for summer 2025, keep the website in your bookmarks in case the program runs every two years."
Article

How to build a science writing portfolio when you have no experience

"Putting a portfolio together is not complicated once you have a few assignments under your belt. But it's a different story for newbies, and I can't count how many first-time writers have asked me how they can get a portfolio when no one will give them a chance to start." In this article, communicator Joachim Eeckhout shares recommendations for building a portfolio, including creating a blog, guest posting, and using social media.
Video

SciCommers Mentor Chat Series

Boston University

SciCommers is a free network for scientists and engineers to improve their science communication skills and connect with science writing opportunities, hosted by Boston University. In the network's monthly Mentor Chats, communication experts video-chat with SciCommers about topics including how to start a podcast, science outreach, freelance science writing, and more. Past Mentor Chats are posted on the SciCommers YouTube channel.
Article

How to pitch to a science editor

"Successfully pitching a story to a science editor requires a wide range of skills, from researching their outlet to communicating with them in a professional way. In this practical guide, we have compiled advice from six different science editors with extensive experience in commissioning pieces for a number of different outlets including Science, BBC Focus Magazine, New Scientist, the Mail and Guardian and SciDev.Net. Following the advice in this guide will increase the chances of getting your story accepted by an editor."
Article

How to successfully pitch The New York Times (or, well, anyone else)

In this article, Tim Herrera (who was, at the time, Smarter Living editor at the New York Times) explains some common do's and don't's of pitching freelance journalism articles. He writes: "After consulting with about a dozen editors who commission stories at publications ranging from small, niche blogs to national magazines and newspapers, I’ve pulled together the six most common mistakes freelancers make when pitching — and what you can do to impress an editor."
Academic program

U.S. degree programs in science, health, or environmental writing

The Open Notebook

The Open Notebook has compiled a list of "more than 50 U.S. university-based programs that offer specialized undergraduate or graduate degree programs and/or individual courses (which may be available to undergraduates, graduate students, or both) in science, health, or environmental writing." Some of these programs also appear as independent entries in Connector's library.
Resource Database / Guide

Sci Comm Resources — Dan Vahaba

Dan Vahaba is the director of communications at the Duke University Institute for Brain Sciences. He compiled this Google doc full of science writing resources, including articles and books to read, tips about how to pitch, conferences, academic journals, newsletters, and more.