This session will address the role of the media in discussing the issues related to the so-called “reproducibility crisis” in a constructive way. Panellists will present several critical aspects of this complex issue, and will reflect with the audience on the role that science journalists can have in helping citizens to notice not only the …
Science journalism sometimes is criticised because it contains exaggerations about the potential of specific research results. This can happen, for example, when journalistic coverage states or implies that a drug that works in animals will also work in humans before this is tested, or when unsound science is covered without information about its limitations. Journalists, …
When reporting about climate science, should we use ‘global warming’ or ‘climate change’’? Or should we say ‘climate disruption’ or ‘climate breakdown’ instead of ‘climate change’? To what extent should journalists keep their distance from the politicised front line of climate science and its interpretations? The speakers will debate this issue with each other, and …
Is Global South science under-reported? All too often, in the ‘Global North’, we only hear about crises happening in lower income countries, rather than coverage of the critical research being undertaken by scientists in areas that are most relevant to them. Which fields in particular are under-reported, how, and why? How does the research ecosystem …
Mostly, a science reporter zooms in on topics that are socially relevant but can be approached from a safe and comfortable distance. But a pandemic is not distant for any science reporter: we’ve all been in the middle of it. How can a science reporter work in an engaged and neutral way during such a …
The journalism collective Bellingcat, founded by Eliot Higgins in 2014, pioneered online fact checking and open source intelligence (OSINT) methods to document, among others, the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17, the Skripal Poisoning, and weapons and war crimes in several wars, including the Russian-Ukrainian war. Instructors Youri van der Weide and Annique Mossou will deliver …
Journalists play an essential role in bringing new scientific discoveries to the public. It is essential that they have a thorough understanding of how critical research has been designed, conducted and published, asking probing questions like: has sex and gender been integrated in this research? Are there cultural blindspots in this work? Do we have …
Incorrect reports about (scientific) research are regularly reported in the media. Factchecking organizations, such as the Dutch Nieuwscheckers, are engaged in correcting such erroneous reports. How is it possible that such incorrect reports appear in the media? What are common mistakes made by journalists when they report on research? Using a series of examples Alexander …
Announcement of the laureates of the EFSJ Climate Grants. The grant amount is a total of 12.000 euros. Depending on applications received, one to three projects may be awarded grants. The grant is made possible by the EFSJ in partnership with BNP Paribas Foundation. For more information, see:
The European Science Journalist of the Year Award will be announced by the EFSJ.