✍️Science Writing News Roundup #87 (March 31, 2022)
Resources for reporting on COVID-19’s origins + How — and why —to avoid jargon when covering climate.
Welcome! You are reading the Science Writing News Roundup, a newsletter for science writers. You can also read this edition online. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up here.
🌼 Articles
How science can fight fake news: EU TRESCA-ReTHINK event explores how science communicators can counteract misinformation.
10 takeaways from journalists at the forefront of AI reporting.
Journalists need to rethink their relationship with corrections.
Interview: Rachel E. Gross’s Vagina Obscura traces the scientific and cultural history of a misunderstood anatomy. Emily Willingham interviews Rachel E. Gross to learn the story behind her new book.
🥧 Opportunities
Travel and accommodation grants announced for science journalism conference ECSJ 2022: The theme of the conference is Investigating Science, and the first keynote speaker announced is Dutch scientist and expert of scientific integrity Elisabeth Bik, who has been exposing many cases of image manipulation and fraud in scientific publications in recent years.
Apply for The National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communication by April 3, 2022.
In May 2022, the Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources will host a two-day in-person workshop focused on wildfire.
Innovate4Climate Journalists Workshop: The workshop is free and open to media professionals from the Middle East and North Africa. Apply by April 1, 2022.
The European Geosciences Union (EGU) has begun accepting applications for the 11th edition of its Science Journalism Fellowship competition.
Online media seminar: Building a green, healthy and resilient future with forests (Apply by April 3, 2022).
Apply to attend IRE22 (a conference for Investigative Reporters and Editors). The deadline to apply for a fellowship is April 4, 2022.
Calls for pitches (for monthly supporters!)
A new digital magazine focused on science-related conspiracy theories, misinformation, and problematic ways of communicating scientific ideas.
Science & policy
Health security
HIV/AIDS community
Climate change
Energy and extraction of natural resources
🗺️ Resources
How they did it: Tampa Bay Times reporters expose high airborne lead levels at Florida recycling factory.
Telegram course: Reacting to a chemical attack. The course will guide users on the types of chemical and biological weapons that have been used in recent years and how to recognise them.
How to make a solutions journalism podcast — 6 pointers from 3 experienced podcasters. These podcast veterans share their tips for success.
New tip sheet explores substance use disorders in older adults.
Bonus content for monthly supporters:
Grants for a new reporting initiative focused on climate change.
Pre-order a book with tips and tools to become a better writer, and insights from some of the best science journalists in the world.
Check out a free guide (from 2021) with tips on how to pitch a science book.
A guide (from 2020) with tips for successfully covering a science study.
🖥️ Videos
Science Writers Conference on COVID-19, Diabetes, and Obesity
Transgender teens and gender-affirming care: What reporters need to know
The Power of Stories with Kendra Pierre-Louis, a senior science reporter at Gimlet Media who produces podcasts like “How to Save a Planet.”
👏 News
The Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT has named an investigative series by The Palm Beach Post and ProPublica as the winner of its 2022 Victor K. McElheny Award for local and regional science journalism. Congratulations to the award winners: Lulu Ramadan, Ash Ngu, Maya Miller, Nadia Sussman, and Hannah Morse.
🎫 Events
Science Communication Workshop: Four experts discuss strategies and challenges for effective science communication in today's policy and media landscape. (April 1, 2022)
Communicating the Financial Risks of Climate Change (April 1, 2022)
Author Talk - April 2022 featuring Meghan O'Rourke, by Johns Hopkins University MA in Science Writing (April 5, 2022)
Public Talk: Why Trust Science, with Naomi Oreskes (here is the Zoom registration page) (April 5, 2022)
Event for scientists: Defense Against Disinformation, Strategic Communications for Science Advocates (April 7-8, 2022)
Society of Professional Journalists journalism conference (April 8-9, 2022)
⏰ Jobs and internships
To see the jobs and internships below (and even more) please consider supporting my work!
Summer internship, Remote (deadline: April 1, 2022)
Editorial non-fiction internship, UK
Science communicator, Canada
Editorial interns, U.S.-based
Science Writer, CA
Biotechnology freelance science writers with a scientific degree, U.S.-based
Consultant (Editorial), Remote
Communications Assistant, U.S.-based
Science/Health Newsletter Writer
Intern, weekly science podcast, North America
Life sciences reporter
Science Communications Intern, NC
Science Communications Specialist, TX
Coordinator for a program dedicated to improving science journalism in the U.S.
👉 Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive the next post in your inbox:
Worried you missed something? See previous posts here. What would you like to see in the newsletter? Please send me your suggestions: sciencewriting@substack.com