A few questions on your professional situation

Martin Bauer, Head of the Methodology Institute and Director MSc Social and Public Communication, at the London School of Economics, is using the World Conference of Science Journalists as an opportunity to conduct a survey of science writers.

"We are undertaking a survey on the backgrounds, employment situation and daily practices of science journalists and the future of the profession. Whether you are taking part or not in the events, you are most welcome to tell us your opinion."

Lots of interesting questions in there "on your professional situation, your working practices, and the future of the profession".

Martin promises that "It will take you less than 10 minutes to answer these questions."

New Scientist editorial trainee scheme

The world's best science magazine has opened its doors for the New Scientist editorial trainee scheme.

If you are "a graduate with a good science degree and a burning desire to be a science journalist" then you have until 13 July to make your presence felt.

ABSW special meeting

ABSW member are invited to a special meeting on Monday 29th June, from 6-7pm at the Dana Centre (165 Queen's Gate, South Kensington). We should like to discuss the future of the ABSW, the revamped newsletter, our new website and the awards. We should welcome ideas for events and activities as well as setting our priorities for the future and talking a bit more about how we hope to operate. We should also like this to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to Ted Nield and Barbie Drillsma for all their work and dedication to the ABSW.

Natasha Loder, science correspondent for The Economist and next chair of the ABSW, and Colin Blakemore, President of the ABSW, will host the discussion. The Studio of the Dana Centre can accommodate up to 100 members. To register for this event, please fill out the form

The first 30 folk to register will also be invited to attend the Media Reception of the World Conference of Science Journalists, being held nearby at the Science Museum, from 7-9pm.

ABSW's How to publish a popular science book

Those attending the World Conference of Science Journalists, are invited to attend the ABSW's How to publish a popular science book on Wednesday 1st July, between 13.30 to 14.30.

From an idea in an author's head, to a book in a reader's hand, there is much about the science book trade that may surprise. This session aims to unlock the mysteries behind writing a book proposal, such as getting an agent, making proposals to editors at publishing houses, how editors have to sell books to their sales/marketing teams, doing deals and getting book buyers interested. The session offers potential authors the chance to ask burning questions of those directly involved in the business in order to shed light on some of the less-well known aspects to the science book trade, such as editing, publicity, and how a book gets reviewed. This
session also hopes to address the question of whether the books that become bestsellers are the best books or those which publishing companies have spent the most money.

Speakers:

* John Gribbin, Author
* Peter Tallack, Agent
* Will Goodlad, Publisher (Penguin)

Chair:

* Sara Abdulla, Nature

Epilepsy journalism award

Another award for specialist journalism with decidedly scientific leanings. The International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and UCB, "a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry," are behind the awards for Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism.

"The international award is open to consumer, health and medical journalists from around the world writing for print, broadcast or online media and will celebrate journalism that challenges stereotypes."

The award is for material published or broadcast between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009. There are three categories; medical print/online, consumer print/online and Broadcast.

Prizes come in the shape of travel vouchers worth €4000 for each category, with the suggestion that the vouchers "could be used to defray travel costs related to further journalistic research and publications about epilepsy in an international context".

Max Perutz science writing award 2009

The Medical Research Council has posted details of the Max Perutz science writing award 2009. Open to MRC-funded PhD students, the award, worth £1000, "has attracted more than a thousand entries since it began 12 years ago".

Winner and runners "will be invited to an awards ceremony in central London on 26 August 2009 and will secure a place on a masterclass with professional writers". The judges include Alok Jha, the Guardian’s science and environment correspondent. Entries have to be in by 29 June 2009.

Guild of Health Writers’ Writing Awards 2009

Good writing deserves good rewards!

The Guild of Health Writers invites entries to its prestigious Writing Awards. They will be presented at a gala reception at Chandos House, London on October 13th 2009. The total prize fund is £6000.

PRIZES

• Winners £700, Runners Up £300
• Best consumer magazine health feature
• Best national newspaper health feature
• Best regional newspaper health feature
• Best trade and specialist publication feature
• Best online health contribution
• Best freelance feature (chosen from categories above)
  

Closing date for entries June 30th, 2009

For entry form go to www.healthwriters.com