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Topic: Science literacy
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Article

Reporting on Psychedelics Research or Legislation? Proceed With Caution

"Despite the hype, optimism and legislation involving the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, researchers warn that there's much we don't know. This research roundup looks at some of the knowns and unknowns of psilocybin, MDMA and other hallucinogens."
Article

Reporting on Psychedelics Research or Legislation? Proceed With Caution

Summary:
"Despite the hype, optimism and legislation involving the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, researchers warn that there's much we don't know. This research roundup looks at some of the knowns and unknowns of psilocybin, MDMA and other hallucinogens."
Author:

Naseem S. Miller

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

February 27, 2024

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Article

Covering Null Results: How To Turn “Nothing” Into News

"Null results — the lack of evidence in support of a hypothesized effect — can often be dismissed as unnoteworthy, even by scientists themselves. But sometimes, the absence of an effect in a well-designed experiment can challenge existing thinking or have important policy, health, or other implications for readers."
Article

Covering Null Results: How To Turn “Nothing” Into News

Summary:
"Null results — the lack of evidence in support of a hypothesized effect — can often be dismissed as unnoteworthy, even by scientists themselves. But sometimes, the absence of an effect in a well-designed experiment can challenge existing thinking or have important policy, health, or other implications for readers."
Author:

Lucila Pinto

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Date:

September 30, 2025

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Video

Preparing for Reporting on Autism, Vaccines and Related Science

Association of Health Care Journalists

"In this webinar, moderator Tara Haelle and an expert panel — including Paul Offit, M.D. (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), and Jessica B. Steier, DrPH, PMP (Founder and CEO of Unbiased Science) — help reporters navigate the science behind autism, vaccines, and the expected Health and Human Services report on autism causes." Includes a number of additional resources.
Video

Preparing for Reporting on Autism, Vaccines and Related Science

Summary:
"In this webinar, moderator Tara Haelle and an expert panel — including Paul Offit, M.D. (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), and Jessica B. Steier, DrPH, PMP (Founder and CEO of Unbiased Science) — help reporters navigate the science behind autism, vaccines, and the expected Health and Human Services report on autism causes." Includes a number of additional resources.
Organization:

Association of Health Care Journalists

Date:

September 11, 2025

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Article

PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water: An Explainer and Research Roundup

"We summarize studies on where PFAS are found, health impacts, the efficacy of consumer water filters, new methods of destroying PFAS, and racial disparities in PFAS exposure. Journalists would do well to educate themselves on PFAS because the issue now touches almost every beat: business, consumer, environment, health, infrastructure, legal and local municipalities that include water utilities. That’s why we created this explainer and research roundup. (For more on covering PFAS, see our related tip sheet, which includes a list of data resources.)"
Article

PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water: An Explainer and Research Roundup

Summary:
"We summarize studies on where PFAS are found, health impacts, the efficacy of consumer water filters, new methods of destroying PFAS, and racial disparities in PFAS exposure. Journalists would do well to educate themselves on PFAS because the issue now touches almost every beat: business, consumer, environment, health, infrastructure, legal and local municipalities that include water utilities. That’s why we created this explainer and research roundup. (For more on covering PFAS, see our related tip sheet, which includes a list of data resources.)"
Author:

Rachel Layne

Published By:

The Journalist’s Resource

Date:

August 9, 2023

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Article

How To Cover Environmental Exposure Studies

"Journalists play a big role in which risks get amplified versus downplayed, for better or worse. We are best poised to help the public determine what they should and shouldn’t freak out about. ... This tip sheet discusses best practices specifically for writing about environmental exposure studies."
Article

How To Cover Environmental Exposure Studies

Summary:
"Journalists play a big role in which risks get amplified versus downplayed, for better or worse. We are best poised to help the public determine what they should and shouldn’t freak out about. ... This tip sheet discusses best practices specifically for writing about environmental exposure studies."
Author:

Tara Haelle

Published By:

Association of Health Care Journalists

Date:

November 1, 2024

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Resource Database / Guide

How To Cover Vaccines Responsibly in 2025

"Newsrooms in 2025 face a significant challenge covering the effort to upend decades of rigorous vaccine science and the policies it has guided. Misinformation and disinformation about the development, effectiveness, and safety of vaccines are coming from the highest levels of government, and individual states are issuing their own vaccination guidance and changing their vaccine mandates. This toolkit provides tips and resources for journalists covering vaccines in their communities, describing basic vaccine science, providing graphics to use in your stories (coming soon), explaining causes of vaccine hesitancy, and more."
Resource Database / Guide

How To Cover Vaccines Responsibly in 2025

Summary:
"Newsrooms in 2025 face a significant challenge covering the effort to upend decades of rigorous vaccine science and the policies it has guided. Misinformation and disinformation about the development, effectiveness, and safety of vaccines are coming from the highest levels of government, and individual states are issuing their own vaccination guidance and changing their vaccine mandates. This toolkit provides tips and resources for journalists covering vaccines in their communities, describing basic vaccine science, providing graphics to use in your stories (coming soon), explaining causes of vaccine hesitancy, and more."
Published By:

SciLine

Date:

September 16, 2025

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Blog

PLOS SciComm

PLOS (Public Library of Science)

The #SciCommPLOS blog aims "to build bridges between scientists and the general public, by explaining why science is cool and important and meaningful and necessary. We hope to convey our enthusiasm for science as a process and a way of seeing the world. Our two major goals are:
  • to highlight interesting and impactful science in accessible ways, and
  • to teach scientists about the art of storytelling as an effective means to communicate science."
Blog

PLOS SciComm

Summary:
The #SciCommPLOS blog aims "to build bridges between scientists and the general public, by explaining why science is cool and important and meaningful and necessary. We hope to convey our enthusiasm for science as a process and a way of seeing the world. Our two major goals are:
  • to highlight interesting and impactful science in accessible ways, and
  • to teach scientists about the art of storytelling as an effective means to communicate science."
Organization:

PLOS (Public Library of Science)

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Blog

ScienceBlog.com

"ScienceBlog.com is a leading platform for science enthusiasts and experts to share their knowledge and insights with a dedicated audience." The website hosts multiple blogs on topics including:
  • Brain & Behavior
  • Earth, Energy & Environment
  • Health
  • Life & Non-Humans
  • Physics & Mathematics
  • Space
  • Technology
Blog

ScienceBlog.com

Summary:
"ScienceBlog.com is a leading platform for science enthusiasts and experts to share their knowledge and insights with a dedicated audience." The website hosts multiple blogs on topics including:
  • Brain & Behavior
  • Earth, Energy & Environment
  • Health
  • Life & Non-Humans
  • Physics & Mathematics
  • Space
  • Technology
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For:
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Article

Beyond the Gene: Why Metaphor Matters in the Story of Cancer

"Metaphors are more than linguistic tools in science communication. They are framing devices—cognitive shortcuts that shape what we see, what we ignore, and what we imagine as possible. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the long and layered story of cancer."
Article

Beyond the Gene: Why Metaphor Matters in the Story of Cancer

Summary:
"Metaphors are more than linguistic tools in science communication. They are framing devices—cognitive shortcuts that shape what we see, what we ignore, and what we imagine as possible. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the long and layered story of cancer."
Author:

Nicholas Pulliam, PhD

Published By:

PLOS SciComm

Date:

July 29, 2025

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Video

Is Climate Change to Blame? Understanding and Communicating the Link Between Climate Change and Extreme Weather

"On June 12, 2024, the Yale Center for Environmental Communication hosted a conversation focused on the field of attribution science — a field focused on determining the influence of human-induced climate change on extreme weather events. We learned how scientists establish these connections as well as how to effectively communicate the impact of human-caused climate change on extreme weather events."
Video

Is Climate Change to Blame? Understanding and Communicating the Link Between Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Summary:
"On June 12, 2024, the Yale Center for Environmental Communication hosted a conversation focused on the field of attribution science — a field focused on determining the influence of human-induced climate change on extreme weather events. We learned how scientists establish these connections as well as how to effectively communicate the impact of human-caused climate change on extreme weather events."
Published By:

Yale Center for Environmental Communication

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Article

Study Reveals Stark Divide in How Democrats and Republicans Cite Science

"An analysis of 25 years of U.S. policy documents reveals there's very little overlap in the scientific studies that Democrats and Republicans cite in congressional committees and think tanks, deepening concerns over shared facts."
Article

Study Reveals Stark Divide in How Democrats and Republicans Cite Science

Summary:
"An analysis of 25 years of U.S. policy documents reveals there's very little overlap in the scientific studies that Democrats and Republicans cite in congressional committees and think tanks, deepening concerns over shared facts."
Author:

Naseem S. Miller

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

July 23, 2025

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Article

The Chilling Effect of DEI Crackdowns in Scientific Publishing

"Trump’s executive orders are affecting how federally funded journals operate. Some researchers have raised alarms. The federal directives have prompted conflict in academic publishing, as scientific journals and authors self-police."
Article

The Chilling Effect of DEI Crackdowns in Scientific Publishing

Summary:
"Trump’s executive orders are affecting how federally funded journals operate. Some researchers have raised alarms. The federal directives have prompted conflict in academic publishing, as scientific journals and authors self-police."
Author:

Peter Andrey Smith

Published By:

Undark

Date:

May 14, 2025

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Article

Story Angles for Covering Defunding of mRNA Vaccine Research

The Association of Health Care Journalists offers a tip sheet of potential story angles to follow regarding cuts to funding for research on mRNA vaccines.
Article

Story Angles for Covering Defunding of mRNA Vaccine Research

Summary:
The Association of Health Care Journalists offers a tip sheet of potential story angles to follow regarding cuts to funding for research on mRNA vaccines.
Author:

Joseph Burns

Published By:

Association of Health Care Journalists

Date:

August 7, 2025

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Article

Finding the Most Valuable Stories in the Heart of Science Papers

"Research papers are at the forefront of the scientific process, and science writers are vital in bridging the gap between researchers and a wider audience. On 26th June, at the ABSW Science and Technology Journalism Summer School 2025, ABSW Chair Andy Extance held a workshop inviting Emma Stoye (Senior News Editor, Nature), Sarah Wild (Freelance Science Journalist), Dalmeet Singh Chawla (Freelance Science Journalist) to discuss how science journalists can navigate the science publishing landscape to find the most valuable stories within academic papers, using meaningful examples."
Article

Finding the Most Valuable Stories in the Heart of Science Papers

Summary:
"Research papers are at the forefront of the scientific process, and science writers are vital in bridging the gap between researchers and a wider audience. On 26th June, at the ABSW Science and Technology Journalism Summer School 2025, ABSW Chair Andy Extance held a workshop inviting Emma Stoye (Senior News Editor, Nature), Sarah Wild (Freelance Science Journalist), Dalmeet Singh Chawla (Freelance Science Journalist) to discuss how science journalists can navigate the science publishing landscape to find the most valuable stories within academic papers, using meaningful examples."
Author:

Sandra Ogboru

Published By:

Association of British Science Writers

Date:

July 22, 2025

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Book

Books on Science Writing

Book

Books on Science Writing

Summary:
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Organizations

Professional Organizations

Keep up to date by joining one or more professional organizations involved in science writing in the U.S. and internationally. Meet local colleagues by joining a regional science writing group.
Organizations

Professional Organizations

Summary:
Keep up to date by joining one or more professional organizations involved in science writing in the U.S. and internationally. Meet local colleagues by joining a regional science writing group.
Category:
For:
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Publications

Journal of Science Communication

"The Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) is a diamond-open-access, peer-reviewed journal focused on science communication. The Journal covers a broad range of issues pertinent to science communication and public engagement with STEM, including citizen science as well as environmental and health communication, where these relate to communication of research." "JCOM covers topics related to science communication, including original research, theoretical reflections, case studies of best practice and evaluations. The Journal is aimed at researchers, educators, trainers and professional and occasional practitioners in science communication. JCOM publishes research that explores a wide range of issues pertinent to the science communication community, including: issues in communication between science and citizens and within the scientific community itself; challenges arising when models for theoretical analysis or practical means to popularize science are used; the changing relation between science and social institutions; and the informative, pedagogical, interpretative and political dimensions of science communication." "JCOM caters for scholars coming from sociology of science, science and technology studies, media and communication, museum studies and other disciplinary perspectives."
Publications

Journal of Science Communication

Summary:
"The Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) is a diamond-open-access, peer-reviewed journal focused on science communication. The Journal covers a broad range of issues pertinent to science communication and public engagement with STEM, including citizen science as well as environmental and health communication, where these relate to communication of research." "JCOM covers topics related to science communication, including original research, theoretical reflections, case studies of best practice and evaluations. The Journal is aimed at researchers, educators, trainers and professional and occasional practitioners in science communication. JCOM publishes research that explores a wide range of issues pertinent to the science communication community, including: issues in communication between science and citizens and within the scientific community itself; challenges arising when models for theoretical analysis or practical means to popularize science are used; the changing relation between science and social institutions; and the informative, pedagogical, interpretative and political dimensions of science communication." "JCOM caters for scholars coming from sociology of science, science and technology studies, media and communication, museum studies and other disciplinary perspectives."
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Article

What’s Peer Review? 5 Things You Should Know Before Covering Research

"Is peer-reviewed research really superior? Why should journalists note in their stories whether studies have been peer reviewed? We explain."
Article

What’s Peer Review? 5 Things You Should Know Before Covering Research

Summary:
"Is peer-reviewed research really superior? Why should journalists note in their stories whether studies have been peer reviewed? We explain."
Author:

Denise-Marie Ordway

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

May 8, 2021

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Science writing example

A Tale of Two Math Terms: An Infographic Story About When To Use Percent Change Vs. Percentage-Point Change

"Meanville, USA, was an average American town. Until one day, a local journalist had to figure the best way to explain how town administrators planned to spend a sudden windfall ..."
Science writing example

A Tale of Two Math Terms: An Infographic Story About When To Use Percent Change Vs. Percentage-Point Change

Summary:
"Meanville, USA, was an average American town. Until one day, a local journalist had to figure the best way to explain how town administrators planned to spend a sudden windfall ..."
Author:

Clark Merrefield

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

October 5, 2022

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Article

White Papers, Working Papers, Preprints, Journal Articles: What’s the Difference?

"In this updated piece, we explain the most common types of research papers journalists will encounter, noting their strengths and weaknesses."
Article

White Papers, Working Papers, Preprints, Journal Articles: What’s the Difference?

Summary:
"In this updated piece, we explain the most common types of research papers journalists will encounter, noting their strengths and weaknesses."
Author:

Denise-Marie Ordway

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

February 25, 2022

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Article

How To Gauge the Quality of a Research Study: 13 Questions Journalists Should Ask

"Asking these 13 questions can help journalists spot red flags in research, including studies that policymakers and elected officials use to defend their stances on certain issues."
Article

How To Gauge the Quality of a Research Study: 13 Questions Journalists Should Ask

Summary:
"Asking these 13 questions can help journalists spot red flags in research, including studies that policymakers and elected officials use to defend their stances on certain issues."
Author:

Denise-Marie Ordway

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

September 22, 2025

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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."
Video

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

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.
Article

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

Summary:
"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.
Author:

Denise-Marie Ordway

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

July 9, 2024

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Blog

Analysis and updates from the COVID Tracking Project

The COVID Tracking Project

The COVID Tracking Project was a volunteer organization launched from The Atlantic and dedicated to collecting and publishing data about COVID-19 in the U.S. The organization's archive of blog posts, written by staff and volunteers, cover how it collected, analyzed, and interpreted data from public health agencies.
Blog

Analysis and updates from the COVID Tracking Project

Summary:
The COVID Tracking Project was a volunteer organization launched from The Atlantic and dedicated to collecting and publishing data about COVID-19 in the U.S. The organization's archive of blog posts, written by staff and volunteers, cover how it collected, analyzed, and interpreted data from public health agencies.
Organization:

The COVID Tracking Project

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Organization

PCST Network

"The Network for the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST Network) is an organization that promotes discussion on the theory and practice of communicating science, and of public discourses about science and technology and their role in society." Members come from a range of backgrounds, including researchers working on the theory and practice of science communication, communication staff working for research organizations, staff at science centers and museums, science journalists, and more. The PCST Network has a biennial conference and regular webinars for members.
Organization

PCST Network

Summary:
"The Network for the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST Network) is an organization that promotes discussion on the theory and practice of communicating science, and of public discourses about science and technology and their role in society." Members come from a range of backgrounds, including researchers working on the theory and practice of science communication, communication staff working for research organizations, staff at science centers and museums, science journalists, and more. The PCST Network has a biennial conference and regular webinars for members.
Category:
For:
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