Study tour briefing

Howard Hudson, EditorEuropean Journalism Centre

A learning curve for everyone

RELATE aims to help you develop your skills in science writing

...While helping researchers deal with the media (share information, interview skills, etc.)

Image: Ruby Blossom Flickr)

Why are we here? People can't keep up with the pace of technological change...

The general public is either afraid or apathetic about hi-tech research because they don't understand it.

Bombarded by sensationalist articles, people don't know what to believe.

Journalists are key to explaining science – literally to mediate

Reporters: Cheerleaders or watchdogs?

“Science and journalism are not alien cultures... They are built on the same foundation...that conclusions require evidence; that the evidence should be open to everyone; and that everything is subject to question... And whether it's directed towards an experiment or a breaking news story, each can appreciate the other's critical eye.”

Nature Magazine, 30 June 2009

Image: US Geological Survey (Flickr)

So what can we do? Interview and shadow researchers while they

work: discover science from the inside

Present the facts as clearly as possible: help make sense of science

Involve the reader by focusing on the individual stories: things they can relate to...

The sick people who benefit: e.g. over 7.4 million people die each year from cancer worldwide

Or by showing the 'human side' of the scientists

What are we NOT here to do?

Act as public relations officers for science: we're not here to write press releases.

Why? For our own CREDIBILITY

People dismiss one-sided stories and editors won't buy one-sided accounts.

But also remember...

We are not here as undercover journalists

Or to write sensationalist articles

Please note which briefings are off-the-record

Respect the lab rules and journalism ethics

Learn best practice and worst practice...

See www.badscience.net

Ultimately, we're here to...

Write engaging, balanced and accurate accounts

Capture the cutting-edge in our writing

Explore all sides of the issue: the likely benefits as well as the social impacts

Explore the personal angle: Who benefits? How do the researchers work? What drives them?

Get people talking and debating, through intellectual curiosity or individual empathy

Thank you for listening!

Howard Hudson, EJC Editor:

hudson@ejc.net