Reporting ethically on science in the global South
Science writers may have to dig through the authors list for local voices, interview people in an unfamiliar language, or find big-picture experts to contextualize research.
February 24, 2022
FEATURES
Probing patient stories without breaking trust
Uncertainty pervades science, and the field of medicine is no exception. Mysteries create a unique challenge for reporters who must wade through murky memories, conflicting patient accounts, and unresolved scientific questions.
How (and why) to pitch a story that happened 100 years ago
We’ve all heard of Throwback Thursday, but what happens when science writers want to tell stories that happened in the more distant past? The #SciWri21 session “How (And why) to pitch a story that happened 100 years ago” brought new perspectives to this topic.
Book publishing in the pandemic
Many bookstores have abandoned online author chats, finding viewers rarely order books from their websites. What can you do to boost your sales?
2021 Science in Society Journalism Awards winners recognized
Nine science writers received 2021 Science in Society Journalism Awards, established by NASW to provide recognition—without subsidy from any professional or commercial interest—for investigative or interpretive reporting about the sciences and their impact on society.
Science communicators receive institutional writing awards
Five science communicators producing work in a variety of media were recognized with NASW’s 2021 Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards.
A quiet cat sanctuary
A favorite desk, tiny couch, and array of pens and notebooks create a comfortable work space for freelance science journalist Carolyn Wilke.
NASW NEWS AND BUSINESS
NASW co-organizes ‘Numbers are not neutral’ event
How do journalists fairly use numbers in reporting? NASW and the National Press Club Journalism Institute explored that and other questions in an August webinar.
Scores of students participate in Perlman Virtual Mentoring Program
During the summer of 2021, 85 students were matched with NASW volunteers from a variety of science writing backgrounds for mentorship and support through the David Perlman Virtual Mentoring Program.
Diversity summer fellows advance careers and field with NASW support
Last summer, NASW members Delger Erdenesanaa, Alex Ip, and Claudia López Lloreda were awarded $5,000 Diversity Summer Fellowships to help offset the costs associated with pursuing science communication internships. Here’s what they accomplished:
Students and fellows cover science briefings at #SciWri21
From the impact of wildfire smoke on humans to how insect swarms might guide robot designs, ScienceWriters2021 attendees were treated to a wide variety of science sessions as CASW and its partners offered the 59th New Horizons in Science briefings.
Diversity progress report
2021 progress report on NASW diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts
2021 NASW Diversity Reporting Grant recipients announced
Congratulations to Sayantan Datta (@queersprings), Andrew Meissen (@AndrewMeissen), and Duy Linh Tu (@duylinhtu) on being selected as recipients of NASW’s 2021 Diversity Reporting Grants.
Bylaw changes foster more inclusive professional community
Last October, regular members were invited to vote on several proposed updates to the NASW bylaws. Recommended by the Membership Committee and supported by the Board, the proposed changes to Article II of NASW’s bylaws delineated four categories of membership: Professional, Honorary, Student and Affiliate
NASW launches new membership category
Following a 2021 vote of the membership, NASW has created a new membership category: Affiliate Membership.
Find your professional community
As NASW members, students and professionals can receive discounts for events and services, newsroom privileges, exclusive job listings, scientific journals access, and more.
Reporting in a time of social reckoning
Science writers explored the intersection of science journalism and social justice in a CASW workshop funded by the Kavli Foundation that was offered during last October’s virtual ScienceWriters2021 conference.
Andrew Meissen receives 2021 Diane McGurgan Service Award
Congratulations to Andrew Meissen (@AndrewMeissen), the 2021 recipient of NASW’s Diane McGurgan Service Award. The award is presented annually to a volunteer or volunteers who have gone beyond the call of duty to lead or support NASW programs and activities.
From the Director
Publishing deadlines are such that most of these recognition pages are being constructed around the Thanksgiving holiday, when gratitude is top of the menu. For me, gratitude is top of the menu most of the year, and I find it pairs well with just about anything.
Annual business meeting minutes
NASW president Jill Adams called the 2021 Annual Business Meeting, held via the Remo virtual conferencing platform, to order at 11:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 4, with her welcome and president’s report.
Talking ’bout NASW-Talk
Non-members are no longer allowed to subscribed to the NASW-Talk discussion list.
Treasurer’s report
The NASW Finance and Audit Committee is tasked with coordinating the Board’s financial oversight responsibilities by recommending the annual budget and financial policy to the Board, monitoring their implementation, and providing Board oversight of the organization’s financial audit.
MEMBER NEWS
Nicholas St. Fleur wins Evert Clark/ Seth Payne Award
STAT reporter Nicholas St. Fleur (@SciFleur) was honored during the virtual ScienceWriters2021 conference as the winner of the 2021 Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award.
New award to honor Sharon Begley
CASW has launched a new award honoring the late science journalist Sharon Begley
Helen Branswell and Amy Maxmen share Victor Cohn Prize
Helen Branswell and Amy Maxmen were awarded the 2021 Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting.
2021 NASW volunteers
Thank you to our 2021 volunteers!
Career updates
The NASW community celebrates the career milestones and continuing adventures of its professional and student members.
Advance Copy
For this column, NASW book editor Lynne Lamberg asks NASW authors to tell how they came up with the idea for their book, developed a proposal, found an agent and publisher, funded and conducted research, and put the book together.
We remember
Warren Leary and Peter Spotts
Regional groups
ScienceWriters conferences may only happen once a year, but NASW members can find community in a regional science writers group all year round.
The full item is available to members only. Login here or learn more about membership benefits.
ScienceWriters magazine
ScienceWriters magazine is devoted to reporting and commentary on issues in science journalism and communications, and to the special interests of members of the National Association of Science Writers (NASW). Issues are produced twice yearly. Read a sample issue.
Redesigned in 2019, the new ScienceWriters is equal parts newswire, business journal, and alumni magazine, and features vibrant colors, fresh typefaces, and original illustrations. The updated layout includes familiar departments, like member news and regional happenings, alongside new sections that highlight the benefits of NASW membership and trusted tools of our trade.
ScienceWriters is currently edited by Ben Young Landis, assistant executive director of NASW. Previously, Sarah Nightingale edited the publication from 2019 to 2022. Lynne Friedmann served as editor for 18 years prior, and Howard Lewis was editor for 17 years before that. Other previous editors include Barbara Culliton, Mark Bloom, and Jerry Bishop.
NASW members can browse and search the full text of all issues of ScienceWriters issues since Fall 1995.
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