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Topic: Science literacy
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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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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.
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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 questions can help journalists gauge the quality of a research study or report and avoid relying on flawed findings."
Article

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

Summary:
"Asking these questions can help journalists gauge the quality of a research study or report and avoid relying on flawed findings."
Author:

Denise-Marie Ordway

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

March 21, 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.
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Article

The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing trust in science for multilateral policy

International Science Council, Centre for Science Futures

"In a world of growing geopolitical tensions, science remains one common language for developing coordinated international action. When trust in science is compromised, the capacity for cohesive global policy action is further diminished. The question is how can the multilateral policy interface engage effectively with science, in ways trusted by populations? This working paper addresses this crucial problem by reviewing what research and practice in a range of fields from journalism to regulation have learned about trust in science in recent years, and the implications of that body of knowledge for policy-makers. The research suggests that the expectation that ‘trust in science’ should lead naturally to universal public compliance, although often criticized, still prevails among policy (and scientific) circles. The working paper proposes a different, more meaningful form of engagement of the multilateral system with science, organized around the notion of contextualization – in other words, the recognition that values, history, socio-economic factors and identities shape how people will respond to the science–policy interface in specific locations. It also considers the implications for action of the different engagement model for the science–policy interface."
Article

The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing trust in science for multilateral policy

Summary:
"In a world of growing geopolitical tensions, science remains one common language for developing coordinated international action. When trust in science is compromised, the capacity for cohesive global policy action is further diminished. The question is how can the multilateral policy interface engage effectively with science, in ways trusted by populations? This working paper addresses this crucial problem by reviewing what research and practice in a range of fields from journalism to regulation have learned about trust in science in recent years, and the implications of that body of knowledge for policy-makers. The research suggests that the expectation that ‘trust in science’ should lead naturally to universal public compliance, although often criticized, still prevails among policy (and scientific) circles. The working paper proposes a different, more meaningful form of engagement of the multilateral system with science, organized around the notion of contextualization – in other words, the recognition that values, history, socio-economic factors and identities shape how people will respond to the science–policy interface in specific locations. It also considers the implications for action of the different engagement model for the science–policy interface."
Organization:

International Science Council, Centre for Science Futures

Author:

Nick Ishmael-Perkins, Sujatha Raman, Jenni Metcalfe, Indigo Strudwicke, Toss Gascoigne, Joan Leach

Date:

October 24, 2023

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Article

How do science journalists decide whether a psychology study is worth covering?

"A recent study finds that sample size is the only factor having a robust influence on 181 science journalists’ ratings of the trustworthiness and newsworthiness of a study. But [the authors] note that, overall, these journalists are doing a 'very decent job' vetting research. Here's how they do it."
Article

How do science journalists decide whether a psychology study is worth covering?

Summary:
"A recent study finds that sample size is the only factor having a robust influence on 181 science journalists’ ratings of the trustworthiness and newsworthiness of a study. But [the authors] note that, overall, these journalists are doing a 'very decent job' vetting research. Here's how they do it."
Author:

Naseem S. Miller

Published By:

The Journalist's Resource

Date:

November 15, 2023

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Article

To help journalists cover rising temperatures, newsrooms need to start with climate literacy

Sahana Ghosh, associate editor at Nature India, describes lessons and takeaways from a workshop that she led to help Indian newsrooms address climate misinformation. "I came away with a strong conclusion: there is a clear need for climate literacy in newsrooms," Ghosh writes. "Without it, journalists cannot counter climate misinformation and disinformation, or provide good information to our audiences."
Article

To help journalists cover rising temperatures, newsrooms need to start with climate literacy

Summary:
Sahana Ghosh, associate editor at Nature India, describes lessons and takeaways from a workshop that she led to help Indian newsrooms address climate misinformation. "I came away with a strong conclusion: there is a clear need for climate literacy in newsrooms," Ghosh writes. "Without it, journalists cannot counter climate misinformation and disinformation, or provide good information to our audiences."
Author:

Sahana Ghosh

Published By:

Reuters Institute

Date:

September 8, 2023

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Conference

Pint of Science — Global science festival

Pint of Science

"The Pint of Science festival aims to deliver interesting and relevant talks on the latest science research in an accessible format to the public – mainly across bars, pubs, cafes, and other public spaces. We want to provide a platform which allows people to discuss research with the people who carry it out and no prior knowledge of the subject is required. We are a network of thousands of volunteers who are passionate about bringing discoveries to people and was established by a community of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in 2012." The festival takes place simultaneously over hundreds of venues around the world.
Conference

Pint of Science — Global science festival

Summary:
"The Pint of Science festival aims to deliver interesting and relevant talks on the latest science research in an accessible format to the public – mainly across bars, pubs, cafes, and other public spaces. We want to provide a platform which allows people to discuss research with the people who carry it out and no prior knowledge of the subject is required. We are a network of thousands of volunteers who are passionate about bringing discoveries to people and was established by a community of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in 2012." The festival takes place simultaneously over hundreds of venues around the world.
Organization:

Pint of Science

Dates:

May 13, 2024 - May 15, 2024

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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.
Article

How scientists can help reporters cover disasters

Summary:
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.
Author:

Dan Falk

Published By:

Undark

Date:

September 7, 2023

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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.
Workshop

Conversations on trust in science and technology

Summary:
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.
Organization:

University of Waterloo

Location:

Waterloo, Canada

Dates:

September 12, 2023 - September 12, 2023

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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.
Workshop

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

Summary:
"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.
Organization:

Gairdner Foundation, Canadian Association of Science Centres

Location:

Toronto, Canada

Dates:

September 21, 2023 - September 21, 2023

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