ABSW

The end of this blog

2009-10-19T13:06:00.001+01:00

Please note that this blog is no longer being updated as it has now been incorporated into the ABSW's new website. Please check there for the latest news, job postings and everything else.

Thanks,

Mike

ABSW Webmanager

ABSW South West at the King Bill

2009-10-12T09:24:00.006+01:00

On 16 September, seven of the ABSW's finest minds gathered in a dark pub on King Street in Bristol. Thanks to new funding for regional meetings, drinks were at the expense of the Association. (And thanks to the excellent value offered by the King William, there is still enough in the kitty for another round).

Amid much talk of the recent World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) in London, there was discussion of the identity of the British Science Association and of forming links with Bristol's Festival of Ideas, as well as the next WCSJ in Egypt.

A third meeting is planned before the end of the year. Any members in the region who are not on the South West list can email Hayley Birch at hayleymbirch [a] manyfinewords.co.uk

Those who attended: Matin Durrani, Carolyn Allen, Liz Kalaugher, Julie Clayton, Jon Turney, James Dacey and Hayley Birch.

27 October – first of the new ABSW lunches

2009-10-04T14:36:00.003+01:00

The first of the new ABSW lunch dates has been fixed for the favourite choice, Tuesday 27th October.

Venue is Doggett's Coat and Badge, overlooking the Thames on Blackfriars Bridge. We will have our own bar, with balcony overlooking the river, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Lunch will be served at 1pm.

I hope that some of those who preferred other dates will still be able to come - we need at least 20 people to make it a success.

I am trying to fix up a speaker but can't say any more until that is confirmed. Whatever happens, it will still be a great chance to meet other science writers and do some networking.

Price for a three-course lunch, to include wine and tea or coffee is a very reasonable £25.

Hurry along to the special webpage to confirm your attendance and pick your menu. To avoid embarrassment on the day, please make a note of your choice!

Not a member the ABSW? Sign up now!

Paul Sutherland

JOB AD: Communications Strategist Science Writer/Editor

2009-10-03T19:20:00.001+01:00

Communications Strategist Science Writer/Editor

Working from home, anywhere in the world. Full-time preferred, but part-time applicants considered.

Green Ink is a leading provider of communication services in support of natural resources research for development. Our clients are organizations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger and protecting the environment in the developing world.

We are seeking an experienced communications strategist to develop our new service in this area. Able to design and deliver a package of activities spanning the participatory development of a strategy, training in its implementation and assessment of its impact, you will know how to identify key areas of intervention, from the written word or image to new communications tools and channels. You will be particularly knowledgeable about media outreach and social networking. An outstanding writer yourself, you will be able to lead by example in the development of content that achieves impact. Equipped with a relevant university degree or equivalent, you will already have an impressive record of success, probably in a corporate setting. You must be willing to travel to our clients when necessary.

We are also seeking talented English-language science writers/editors who are able to work independently yet enjoy being part of a team. You will be able to generate outstanding content on science and development issues for the popular and semi-specialist media, in both electronic and hard-copy formats. Besides an attractive portfolio of communication skills and a knowledge of natural resources R&D, you should have commitment, integrity and flair, coupled with the ability to work under pressure. You will be able to lead the planning and execution of complex communication projects, working with other team members to ensure timely product delivery to a high quality standard. A relevant university degree, proven experience, computer literacy, ability to work from home and willingness to travel are essential. Plus points are skills and experience in media outreach and social networking.

Salaries will range from £23,000 to £30,000 according to skills and experience and there is an attractive benefits package. Visit our website at www.greenink.co.uk to apply by 30 October 2009.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Science journalism and libel laws – ABSW annual lecture

2009-09-18T19:24:00.003+01:00

This year's ABSW annual lecture, on 15the October, will be a debate about science journalism and the libel laws. The event is being produced in association with City University, to celebrate the launch of City's MA course in Science Journalism.

ABSW members have up to 100 guaranteed places at this event on October 15th, but they must book their places by the end of the month (September 30th). After this, unused places will be released to the public.

Booking is through City University's website, entry is free.

To ensure that you reserve one of the guaranteed places, when you are filling in the booking form please provide the information "I am an ABSW member" in the drop down box which asks "Where did you hear about this event".

Science Fact – science journalism and libel law

Simon Singh, freelance science journalist and author of Trick or Treatment?
Ben Goldacre, columnist, doctor and author of Bad Science
John Kampfner, Chief Executive, Index on Censorship
Duncan Lamont, libel lawyer and Head of Media & Entertainment at Charles Russell
Tracey Brown, Managing Director, Sense About Science

Science journalists Simon Singh and Ben Goldacre have both been sued in the past year for libel. They challenged the scientific method and evidence behind the use of chiropractic treatment for children (Singh) and the role of multivitamins to combat HIV/AIDS in South Africa (Goldacre).
After long court battles, Goldacre won his case, with the financial support of the Guardian, but Singh lost and faces the prospect of mounting an expensive appeal.
Should scientific debate be silenced by the use of English libel laws, thereby keeping the public in the dark? What are the wider implications for journalism and is there a pressing need for reform of the English libel laws?

Date:
Thursday October 15 2009 Time:7:00 PM

Location:
Oliver Thompson Lecture Theatre, City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB

Google Map

New Scientist seeks science graduates for new blog

2009-08-17T22:36:00.003+01:00

Recent graduates looking to expand their science writing skills might be interested in this.

New Scientist is looking for recent science, technology or engineering graduates interested in blogging throughout the year about their experiences of life after University.

They are launching a new area of their website specifically for students in September 2009, and, according to their ad copy. "One of the things we'd like to do is help students understand what life is like after graduation."

We're looking for recent graduates to blog for us throughout the year about their experiences of life after university. You may be entering the world of work, going into further study or taking time out for some other exciting adventure.

If you are a keen blogger, happy to share your experiences about life after graduation to inform and inspire our student audience in exchange for the experience of writing for New Scientist, we'd like to hear from you.

Full details and how to apply can be found on their website.

Job advert: Nuffield Council on Bioethics seeks board member

2009-08-12T14:47:00.001+01:00

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics examines the ethical issues raised
by advances in biological and medical research to promote public
understanding and assist policy makers. The Council is seeking
applications for a new Council member for its board with experience in
the media, communications and/or public engagement.

Applications are invited in the form of a brief statement of interest
accompanied by a short curriculum vitae. The closing date for
submissions is 2 October 2009.

Applications and any queries should be sent to Carol Perkins at
cperkins@nuffieldbioethics or please phone 020 7681 9619. Further
information is available at http://www.nuffieldbioethics.org.

Job advert: New Scientist Features Editor

2009-07-23T12:27:00.004+01:00

Features Editor - 6 Month Contract

Reference: 000235
Job Function Editorial & Publishing
Location Lacon House, London
Organization Reed Business Information
Job Type Contract
Job Posting 21/07/2009
Recruiter Justine Padfield

Job Description

New Scientist, the world's leading popular science and technology magazine and web site, needs a talented feature editor to join its award winning team. We offer a stimulating environment working with world-class journalists in our central London Offices, and a competitive salary.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

To find, commission, write and edit compelling feature-length stories about all aspects of science and technology.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED:

This is a job for a creative journalist who can commission, edit and write compelling stories to tight deadlines with the motivation and charisma to inspire others.
The successful candidate will have a good science degree.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

A good track record in journalism.
Experience in managing writers, and a track record in editing feature length journalism.

RBI General Benefits Package

Pension Scheme
29 Days Holiday
Paid Charity Days - 2 days per year
Life Insurance (4x salary)
Save As You Earn Share Scheme (SAYE)
Competitive Salaries

The Company:
With a head office in Sutton (a short 20 minute train journey direct from Victoria or Clapham Junction) and offices in Central London, Birmingham, Manchester and East Grinstead, Reed Business Information has a portfolio of award winning web sites and online services along with more than 100 market leading magazines, directories, direct marketing services, industry conferences and awards covering over 18 markets in the UK, Europe, USA and Asia. Reed Business Information has annual sales of £250 million.

Our online strategy focuses on markets with a need for deep, data driven information services, search and online recruitment. Backed by the resources of parent company Reed Elsevier, RBI's UK wide web based services are blazing a trail for specialist information online. Some of the market leading brands at RBI include www.totaljobs.com, www.cwjobs.co.uk and www.kellysearch.com, New Scientist, Estates Gazette, Computer Weekly and Personnel Today.

Please apply via the RBI website http://careers.rbi.jobs/vacancy/235-Features+Editor+-+6+Month+Contract with your CV, covering letter and 3 clips (all in ONE document) by Friday 14th August 2009

Alternatively send you application by email to henry.gomm@newscientist.com

Yes we cam!

2009-07-13T15:52:00.002+01:00

One of the aims of the ABSW for 2009 is to build up a network of regional groups to increase activity for our members based outside of London.

Ben Valsler, a producer for the Naked Scientists, has been posting on the ABSW-L (our electronic mail list) to see if any fellow ABSW members from Cambridge are interested in meeting.

If you're in the area and would like to be involved, get on the Google Groups discussion forum (from where the ABSW-L emails are generated) or email Ben directly (brvalsler@gmail.com).

Members in the environs of Brighton recently enjoyed a lunchtime trip to the pub - get in touch with Michael Kenward if you're interested in any future outings there.

If you're not in Cambridge or Brighton, don't despair - why not start up a group of your own? Email the list to see who's interested (or contact the regional groups co-ordinator) and you could be part of making the ABSW an important, useful and fun association for all members, wherever you're based.

Twitter tips for the timid

2009-07-07T14:48:00.003+01:00

Confused by all this Twitter-talk? What the heck is a hashtag? And how do I get started? Wonder no more. Jo Brodie has written this beginners guide.

The basic tips

How to follow a topic or conversation on Twitter without having a Twitter account

1. The easiest method is to go to http://search.twitter.com and type in a relevant keyword (e.g. #wcsj) press enter and see the results. That will look like this.

As new tweets are posted with your keyword you will need to press the refresh button (i.e. reload the page) to see them too.

2. The second easiest method is to go to Monitter or Twitterfall (I prefer this one) and type in a word there and watch the tweets unfurl in real time - i.e. they auto-refresh.

I've found Monitter to slow down my laptop quite a bit, Twitterfall less so.

3. If the topic is very popular (e.g. anything to do with Michael Jackson last week) it will be a 'trending topic' - i.e. in the top ten of popular tags. You can then watch it unfold in real time over at What The Hashtag and there's also the opportunity to ‘harvest’ a transcript of all the tweets to read when convenient.

That looks like this .

The "View transcript" link is below the bar chart which is showing the number of tweets over a number of days.

If it's not trending and not appearing at wthashtag you can add it yourself - but you will need to sign up for an account. The people behind wthashtag helpfully created the #wcsj page for me because I didn't have an account at the time. I'd only learned about it the week before at Sci Comm Conference - there seems to be a very short lag time these days between hearing about a tool and then using it!

3a. What’s a hashtag?

It’s very similar to tagging or keywording (e.g. as used in Flickr to help people find things when searching). The # symbol adds a 'flag' to a word increasing its signal against the noise of every other tweeted word. It also makes it appear as an active link in the search results page at http://search.twitter.com. You can search for a word without putting a hash in front of it though, it's not essential for most things.

4. Receive tweets by email

Tweetlater (you need to register) is a free service which will email you the results of a Twitter search for a particular topic - another way of catching up with a lot of tweets on a topic.

-----
N.B. The information in the rest of the post assumes a Twitter account - visit http://www.twitter.com and sign up.

-----

The middling to advanced tips

1. Ten Brutal Twitter tips from David Bradley - useful overview

2. Tweeting in 140 characters, shortening links

Each twitter post of 140 characters is a 'tweet' and the only way to include most web links is to shorten them otherwise they won't fit. Twitter does this automatically but to get the most info in your tweet, as you’re writing it, it's best to pre-shorten your URL so you can see how many spare characters will remain.

URL shortening services include Tinyurl, is.gd, bit.ly and tr.im - bit.ly and tr.im let you track the number of times your link is clicked on, which may be useful information.

3. The @ symbol, "@replies"

In front of anyone's name (with no space) does two things (i) turns the name into an active link that can be clicked on taking you to their Twitter profile and (ii) sends a copy of the tweet to them - although they go straight to the person they are also public and others can find them, so do not use @reply for private messages, see DM below (though it's probably best not to use Twitter for private messages).

You can read messages sent to you by clicking on the @jobrodie (your name here) link in the right hand side of the main page, once you have an account.

4. Retweeting someone else's post (RT)

RT (retweet) in front of a post means that you are reposting someone else's Tweet.

Here's one I tweeted earlier...

" RT @JRBtrip RT @TechCrunch Tweetraising: the potential for charities on Twitter http://tinyurl.com/ok6a5t "

This means that I'm retweeting @JRBtrip's post, he himself was retweeting @Techcrunch. My retweeting of this, using their @names means that both people will receive a copy of my message - i.e. they'll know that I've retweeted them - and also acknowledges the source.

N.B. There needs to be a space before the @ otherwise the name won't resolve to an active link.

5. Hat tip

Another way to acknowledge someone is to use h/t or ht to acknowledge that they were the originator of an idea, for example - here's me acknowledging that @SciCommConf and @marilyneb told me about the wthashtag (what the hashtag) website. It’s not done that often to be honest, but if you see the phrase that’s what it means.

"Not enough characters left in last tweet to h/t @SciCommConf & @marilyneb for highlighting @wthashtag - #wcsj transcript http://is.gd/1jsVl "

6. Direct Messages (DM or d)

Typing d jobrodie sends a private message to me but it will only work if I am following you (if I'm not following you it would have to be @jobrodie). You can also send direct messages through the Direct Messages link on Twitter.

7. Following posts / conversations in real time with a Twitter account

Tweetdeck is excellent for this, you can download it from http://tweetdeck.com/beta/

Tweetdeck is a third-party application for accessing Twitter (so instead of accessing it via the Twitter website in a browser, you can read Twitter via a different programme on your computer)

Tweetdeck presents you with basic columns (all the tweets of everyone you're following, a column of tweets sent to you, a column of private messages plus any columns you care to add e.g. a search for #wcsj).

You need to grant Tweetdeck access to your Twitter account for it to work - I've not had any problems with this particular service but have only used it on iPhone.

Some additional suggestions

1. Using Twitter on a mobile phone

Twitter's easy to use on a computer / laptop but there are mobile phone applications such as Twitterfon, Tweetie as well as Tweetdeck (for iPhone) that mean you can read or post tweets (might be a link to a blog post for example) while on the move. Many people at #wcsj were using phones to 'live blog' the conference.

2. A new account needs a bit of time to get going

It takes time to get the hang of Twitter but a little bit longer to build up a network. Lots of people sign up and then can't see the point of it. It's a bit like moving to a new neighbourhood and getting to know the locals - it's something you cultivate.

It really helps if you fill in the bio section, add a link to your website (or blog) and a photo. Then people know who you are.

3. Following people and being followed

Anyone can follow anyone else, unless they've restricted their "Twitter stream" by locking it - in which case you need to request permission to follow them. People are less likely to follow you if there's no information in your bio. In my case I'm likely to block you from following me if I can't see who you are. It's just difficult to engage with people if they're anonymous - and Twitter is meant to be a tool for social networking ;)

You can find people to follow by (a) searching for their name or knowing their Twitter account URL and clicking on the 'Follow' button, (b) by searching for keywords and following the people writing the most interesting posts about them, (c) if you've found someone to follow see who else they are following and who else is following them - some of those people might have similar interests to you.

4. Attention conference organisers

Please choose a hashtag that's simple and brief to type when tweeting from a mobile phone. #wcsj is pretty much perfect - short, letters only (numbers are on another screen on iPhones) and gives you more characters to type a message in - also it's very natural ('organic'!) and reflects what people were using already in referring to the conference. To be honest #scc2009 wouldn't have been my first choice for the sci com conference but it doesn't matter much when you're using a laptop of course.

Many conferences use Twitter to create a bit of a buzz around the event and draw people in, some conferences might want to set ground rules about what sessions can be covered - I expect people may well ignore this but sometimes it mightn't be appropriate to live blog things, I suppose.

5. Blog owners ... and possibly newspaper (online versions) people (?)

If you want to make it easy for people to share a post and you want to maintain some control over the link, pre-shorten the URL for them (create the post, shorten the URL, then amend the page to add in the new URL - I don't know a simpler way) or use a 'Tweet this' button. This makes it easy for people to share info on your website (promote your work) without having to shorten the URL themselves...

Using a bit.ly link here lets you collect some referral information about where clicks are coming from - and at this point we are at the limits of my URL tracking knowledge.

In David Bradley's post (mentioned above) one of the first things you see on the page is the 'Tweet this' button - if you read the comments you will see I was asking about this sort of thing when the text was originally posted.

Many sites do this very well with a panel of social media sharing buttons including Facebook, Digg etc. etc.

6. If you wanted to refer to the URL of a particular Tweet...

...look at the bit just below the Tweet - the 'time when it was posted', in this case "half a minute ago" gives the URL for that particular tweet.

" TEDchris Mass-collaboration music vid. Beautiful way to nurture your fanbase: http://bit.ly/8yJiG (via@ndjbaker) "
half a minute ago from web

7. Twitter can be just a series of RSS feeds

Some content you create yourself by typing it, some can be pushed from another source – e.g. I have an automated feed set up to collect any newly registered clinical trials about diabetes, which is published automatically whenever the ClinicalTrials.gov database is updated.

Posted on behalf of Jo Brodie

Supreme God-Like Power Can Be Yours

2009-07-07T13:42:00.002+01:00

Just to say that as I told the AGM in January, I am not available as Treasurer of ABSW in 2010. Do get in touch if you fancy taking on this interesting and important role.

A call for less science journalism

2009-07-06T18:18:00.002+01:00

How could science writing for the public possibly be better? John Rennie, "outgoing" Editor in Chief of Scientific American, must have know that we would raise eyebrows with his comment that one answer to the question might be "maybe there should just be less of it".

He expands on this observation in a Scientific American Podcast, on the "Future of Science Coverage," based on comments he made at the World Conference of Science Journalists in London recently. His line, as reported in the transcript of the podcast, is that "we could all do with a lot fewer of the “what causes/cures cancer this week” story".

Rennie then goes on to dismember the "model of following what defines science news as that 95 percent of the time it is “interesting paper that appears in prestigious journal this week.”" As he says, "we’re all smart enough to know that that has absolutely nothing to do with how science works. That has to do with how publishing works."

The main message from Rennie is that "we have a responsibility as editors to try to rethink what counts as science news".

Best of the World Conference of Science Journalists 2009

2009-07-05T11:12:00.013+01:00

So the World Conference of Science Journalists is over, and what a conference it was. Around 950 science writers, journalists and communicators gathered over three days at London's Westminster Central Hall for debate, discussions, diatribes and, of course, plenty of drink.

With a delightfully packed schedule and the repressing heat of an unusually sunny London week, you'd be forgiven if bits of it passed you by in a bit of a haze.

Thankfully, on the Internet nothing goes unrecorded. So here's a compilation of blogs, tweets and resources by ABSW members to help you to catch up on, or just relive, those heady three days. (This is by no means a comprehensive list, so please feel free to point out further reports and resources in the comments).

A big thanks to Julie Clayton, Sally Robbins and Fiona Fox for organising the fantastic programme.

Twitter
One of the most engaging aspects of the conference was the way delegates embraced Twitter and the #wcsj hashtag as a means of communicating.

There were 2,526 tweets from 252 contributors over the course of the conference, with an average of 360 tweets per day. This allowed people to hold conversations simultaneously in the real-life sessions and on the web. And with many sessions on at the same time, it proved a great way for delegates to keep in touch with interesting points from the debates they couldn't attend -- not to mention the useful service provided for those journalists who were not able to attend the conference at all.

Ed Yong, the most prolific tweeter at WCSJ, has a good description of the value of Twitter at WCSJ on Not Exactly Rocket Science.

If you'd like to relive the whole thing, you can view a transcript of the entire #wcsj Twitter conversation on wthashtag.com (you can also adjust the transcript to just look at particular days only).

And as David Bradley has written, the conference was great for putting faces to the names of people one has met purely through email and Twitter. The digital age indeed.

Not Exactly Rocket Science
As well as live-tweeting from the conference, Ed Yong has written up ~~three~~ four in-depth accounts covering the New Media New Journalism session, the discussion with Nick Davies on Flat Earth News, the hard-to-forget Embargoes debate that was, for many, the highlight of the event, and what exactly science journalism is (cheerleader or watchdog?). These have prompted replies from scientist bloggers Mike the Mad Biologist on embargoes and another by Kim Hannula on Investigative Science Journalism).

Ed was of course also the winner of the ABSW Best Newcomer 2009 award, presented at the Gala reception in front of hundreds of science journalists, one Diplodocus and a statue of Charles Darwin.

Just a Theory
ABSW Executive Committee helper and Imperial SciCom student Jacob Aron was not only a volunteer at the conference, he was blogging the event too!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday

SciDev.Net
It was hard to miss SciDev.Net at WCSJ, with development a major strand and many of the delegates (myself included) current or ex-staff or freelancers. SciDev.Net's blog provided great coverage of the conference from the developing country point of view.

They also reported several news stories from the conference, including the success of Cairo in hosting the next WCSJ.

Nature
Nature's reporters were reporting from the conference on their In the Field blog.

A fishy beginning
What Climate coverage would David King like to see?
Fraud "endemic to medical publication"
Embargoes debate
Scrutinising big pharma
Swine Flu - don't believe the hype
Achieving global coverage for science – a workshop
London to Cairo

BBC Radio 4 Leading Edge
Geoff Watts, who took part in the Embargoes debate, had a brief audio package on the conference in his Leading Edge programme. You can listen again for the next few days.

Scientific American podcast
John Rennie, former editor of Scientific American, expands on his comments at WCSJ that what we need is less science journalism.

Financial Times Science blog
Clive Cookson's take on the WCSJ and the supposed 'crisis' in science journalism.

Columbia Journalism Review
Two excellent reports, one on the accusation that the National Science Foundation is 'underwriting' science coverage and other models from the 'New Media, New Journalism' session. The other is on the Future of Science Journalism, cherry-picking bits from the 'Blogs, Big Physics and Breaking News,' Science Editors and other sessions.

Lindau Nobel blog
Freelancer Matthew Chalmers writes on science journalism and blogging, following the Blogs, Big Physics and Breaking News session he took part in.

WCSJ News and the Naked Scientists
The official WCSJ news website, while not updated very often, does carry some reviews and short reports of sessions as well as the daily 10 minute podcasts presented by Meera Senthilingam of the Naked Scientists (I've heard longer podcasts of some of the sessions may soon available as well).

You may also have noticed the photographers floating around the place -- which explains this photo gallery of the event.

And for those who disappeared to the booze before the final speeches were over, here's the summary video shown at the end.

Update 5/7/09 22.50 Added Lindau Nobel, Mike the Mad Biologist and Kim Hannula links. Thanks to @BoraZ
Update 6/7/09 22.18 Added links to Columbia Journalism Review (thanks @Simon_Frantz), Scientific American podcast and session summaries on WCSJ news website (thanks @absw).
Update 7/7/09 09.47 Added extra post from Not Exactly Rocket Science.

A few questions on your professional situation

2009-06-29T10:59:00.000+01:00

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

2009-06-19T14:10:00.000+01:00

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

2009-06-11T16:29:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-11T16:10:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-08T18:20:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-07T12:02:00.001+01:00

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

2009-06-04T12:19:00.000+01:00

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

Framing research with the Danish Science Journalists' Association

2009-05-22T07:53:00.003+01:00

The Danish Science Journalists' Association is hosting a conference on June 11 and wants you to go along.

From their blurb:

"The rise of new media (blogs) and social media (twitter, del.icio.us) has changed the rules of engagement in science communication. New types of media platforms emerge by the minute, print media circulation numbers are dropping and communication takes place in an ever more fragmented digital media reality. Regardless of whether you are a science journalist, a science communicator or a scientist - a new approach towards science communication is emerging.

What impact will this have on you?
At this years' interactive conference the Danish Association of Science Journalists will take a peek into the future by proposing your reality to expert prognoses from our invited national and international speakers:

Matthew Nisbet, ph.d., associate professor, School of Communication, American University, Washington
Anne Knudsen, Editor-in-chief, Weekendavisen
Michael Gross, ph.d., science Writer, England
Barbara Ann Halkier, dr. scient, associate professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Jacob Skovgaard-Petersen, professor MSO, Dept of Cross-cultural and regional studies, University of Copenhagen.

We aim to draw the current landscape of science communication, inspire you with new tools to optimize your impact particularly focusing on the concept of 'framing' and we will formulate three focus points for our common challenges in the future of science communication.

The conference takes place on June 11. at the Danish School of Education, Tuborgvej 164, 2400 Copenhagen NV."

If that isn't all perfectly clear, here's some more information on the conference including the programme, registration form and a participants list.

Simon Singh speaks

2009-05-19T21:00:00.003+01:00

Unless you've been away or had your head in the sand, you'll most likely have heard that Simon Singh was on the wrong side of a High Court libel verdict a couple of weeks ago. On Monday night some 250+ (possibly as many as 400) people packed into a Holborn pub to show their support and hear what Simon would do next.

The long and the short of it is that, while many were anticipating Simon's decision, he still can't say for certain. While he very much hopes to appeal in the European courts, he and his lawyers remain in discussions, determining whether they have a defensible case or not. He hopes to reach a final decision by 28 May. But he did have this to say (as the New Humanist blog reported):

While mounting an appeal is risky because he may lose, Simon gave three reasons why it is the right option - 1) he might win, 2) he wants his day in court to talk about what the Guardian article actually meant, and 3) most importantly this case is about broader issues that the validity of chiropractic - it is "about the need to be able to write about issues fairly and reasonably without being intimidated". It is something that matters for all journalists, and ties into the wider issues concerning British libel law.

Needless to say, he very much had the support of the crowd and thousands more nationwide and across the interwebs, all of whom are aware that this is about more than just one writer and a single court case.

It was an inspiring evening, with the fabulous attendance matched by a variety of strong speakers, including the comedian and author Dave Gorman, journalist Nick Cohen and Evan Harris MP. One of the most interesting aspects for me was Gorman's admission that he, like many others, knew little of chiropractic and regarded it as just a legitimate form of treatment for back pain. By suing Simon Singh, the British Chiropractic Association has, he said, brought attention to the full range of treatments they offer.

There are already several good accounts of the night in the blogosphere, so I'll point out to a brief selection:

>> New Humanist
>> Dave Gorman's Blog
>> New Scientist blog

The best source for up-to-date information remains the blog of Jack of Kent, the lawyer who has been a staunch supporter of Simon since the beginning.

ABSW Seminar: Journalism 2.0 - taught by Mike Nagle

2009-05-07T10:02:00.001+01:00

ABSW members are invited to attend a training seminar on Tuesday May 26th. Bring along your laptop and be brought up-to-date with some of new methods of working and collaborating using the internet. RSS feeds & readers. Twitter. Pimp your Browser. Collaboration with Google Docs and more. In fact, anything you want - just email Mike your questions beforehand. (Note it isn't intended for broader hardware or software problems with laptops). To take full advantage of this session members need to bring a laptop equipped with working wifi.

The event will be on the Tuesday 26th of May, at Wellcome's meeting rooms on the Euston Road. The event is 6.30pm for 7pm start, and will finish at 8pm, and likely end up in the pub. There is a 2 pound booking fee to secure a place at this event. Light refreshments will be served. This event is likely to be very popular so please book early as numbers will be limited.

To book this event, please complete the form.

Directions to Wellcome.

Say hello to Phrasefinder

2009-05-02T11:26:00.003+01:00

I’ll let you into a professional secret, I don’t always think up my own headlines and captions. While "Twin Peaks", the headline to a story about how researchers used twin research to show that genes partly explain why women can't reach orgasm, was all my own sometimes similar inspiration is harder to find. Particularly under pressure of a deadline.
So I started to subscribe to a service called Phrasefinder to help inspire me. It is an online thesaurus but finds phrases rather than single words. You an enter a word related to the subject and using some intelligent searching wizardry it will generate a list of phrases related to the word—many that would be hard to think of straight away. It is a great way of instantly generating a wide variety of options for headlines and captions.
From its sample search on the word “fish”, you would receive many of the obvious phrases such as “Fish out of water”, but also: All at sea; Angle for; Cast a long shadow; Hunky dory; Jail bait; Off the scale; Old trout; Prize catch; Ray of light; Red herring; Whale of a time; Whipper snapper.
Anyway, you don’t have to trust me. Because the ABSW has set up a one-year group subscription for 100 members. If the feedback is good, perhaps it will get renewed or extended. To apply for a subscription to phrasefinder, fill out this form.
Individual subscriptions to this service cost £28, so anyone using this in their work should find ABSW membership particularly good value. Please note that this offer is not available to lapsed members. However if you are intending to pay your 2009 subscription before May 30th, you may apply for Phrasefinder access indicating this, and you will then have a period of grace in which you can renew your ABSW membership and then receive access details for Phrasefinder.

Euroscience media awards

2009-04-27T16:46:00.002+01:00

You have until 30 June 2009 to enter the Euroscience media awards.

The awards are:

The Euroscience Stiftung Young Journalists Award
The Euroscience Stiftung Lifetime Journalism Award
The Johnson and Johnson Award for R&D/Science TV journalism Award
The AlphaGalileo Award for Research Public Relations Award

The awards will be €5000 each "apart from the Young Journalist category where the sponsors reserve the right to award one award of €5000 or two awards of €2500".

You have to enter for the TV and media relations awards via the web site.

Job advert: Science Writer wanted

2009-04-27T07:28:00.002+01:00

The Education & Outreach Office in the Earth Observatory of Singapore is seeking a skilled writer/editor with experience in translating scientific and technical information into layman’s language for scientific or research organisations.

Preference will be given to candidates with a working knowledge of natural hazards, earth science or environmental science. Some regional travel to research sites will be required. This position will report to the Education & Outreach Director of the EOS.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Write and edit inhouse brochures, research updates, press releases and policy briefs that showcase the work of EOS scientists and collaborators
Maintain oversight of EOS website to ensure a regular supply of fresh content such as research updates, hazard alerts and other public awareness stories
Assign and manage feature articles and educational materials contracted to outside contributors and translators when needed
Support EOS scientists in preparing high-quality speeches and presentations for media conferences and other events
Manage in house or contract designers and printers for publication of online and print materials

Requirements:

Exceptional English writing skills with a minimum of 5-7 years experience as a journalist or science writer
Bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognised university, preferably in journalism, communications or English. Degree in other disciplines acceptable with a minimum of 7 years demonstrable experience as a published journalist or writer
Proven ability to interact collegially with a team of international scientists and other technical experts, and to translate technical content into compelling stories
Ability to meet deadlines and work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
Familiarity with web and print publishing procedures, and Web 2.0 technologies such as RSS feeds, blogs and podcasting
Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply by using the prescribed Personal Particulars Form (Administrative and Support positions) obtainable from: http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ohr/Career/CurrentOpenings/Management/Documents/AdminForm.doc

Electronic submission of application is encouraged and can be forwarded to the following address: eos_humanresources@ntu.edu.sg

Job Advert - Press Officer, EMBL

2009-04-23T11:06:00.001+01:00

Job description:

EMBL is seeking an experienced Press Officer to oversee media relations activities at EMBL. Responsibilities will include:

Developing and implementing a strategic plan for media relations activities
Coordinating all media activities between international journalists and EMBL
Advising EMBL staff in media relations
Following scientific discoveries at all EMBL sites and liaising with scientists for gathering information
Working with EMBL scientists and management to write, format and distribute press releases about scientific discoveries and other news stories coming out of the lab
Writing & editing articles for EMBL's Annual Report
Maintaining and updating media database
Representing EMBL at international conferences
Working closely with EIROforum

Qualifications and Experience: In addition to a university degree, experience in public relations or communications as well as background in life sciences are required. Applicants should also have excellent written and oral English skills. German or French language abilities would be advantageous. Extensive experience in dealing with journalists and a large international network of media contacts is desirable. As well as being able to work independently, candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively as a member of the communication team at EMBL.

Contract: An initial contract of 3 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of review.

Closing date: 17 May 2009

Web page: http://www.embl.de/

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV (in English) and contact information of three professional references quoting ref. no. ABSW/09/025 in the subject line, to: application@embl.de

Personnel, EMBL, Postfach 10.2209, 69012 Heidelberg, Germany.

Fax: +49 6221 387555 E-mail: application@embl.de

Advertisement - Science, as close as your PDA

2009-04-22T12:42:00.001+01:00

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So, farewell then, Sir John Maddox

2009-04-19T11:04:00.001+01:00

There were plans to create a message here with links to obituaries of Sir John Maddox, erstwhile editor of Nature, mischief maker and smoker extraordinaire. But there really doesn't seem to be much point given that Henry Gee, sometime colleague of Sir John, is already doing such a fine job. Catch it here, Sir John Maddox (1925-2009) - An Appreciation, a part of Henry's blog on Nature Network.

Science journalism awards: ABSW Best Newcomer 2009

2009-04-15T22:33:00.006+01:00

The ABSW would like to invite members to nominate themselves, or colleagues, for a Best Newcomer prize to be awarded later this year at the World Conference of Science.

Rules: There are no age restrictions for this award. But those nominated should have published their first piece of journalism within the last three years. Entrants should be currently working in science and technology journalism, either freelance, full-time or part-time. You may nominate colleagues who are not members of the ABSW. The winner will be whomever gets the most nominations by members.

The voting form can be found here.

Small print: Members may make only one nomination in this competition. If any member sends more than one, only the first will be counted. Nominations will only be accepted from ABSW members in good standing. If you are not up-to-date with your membership dues when the nominations window closes, your vote will not be included.

Please note, in the case of a tie for first place, the final winner will be chosen by the ABSW committee using the supporting information sent in with nominations. Only one piece of supporting work (excluding personal website) may be submitted per nomination.

Nominations close at midnight on May 30th, 2009.

The winner will receive £200 and a certificate, both will be awarded at a Gala Reception at this year's World Conference of Science. To find out more about the World Conference/ABSW Gala reception please visit www.wcsj2009.org. Queries about this award should be addressed to chair@absw.org.uk.

New science journalism masters at City

2009-04-15T12:12:00.001+01:00

If science journalism is in a crisis, this doesn't seem to be reflected at the country's leading school for journalists which has just announced a new course, a masters, in the subject.

First intake is this year in September. Apparently City looked at the destinations for many of their journalism graduates and identified this course as necessary. They've tweaked a lot of their course content to make it more appropriate to those writing in science, environment, food. It costs about 7.5K.

2009 ABSW briefings: summary of suggestions

2009-04-14T12:00:00.003+01:00

A few weeks ago I posted a note on the ABSW-L on behalf of the Committee, asking for suggestions for what the 2009 ABSW briefings should cover. We're looking to get these underway pretty soon, so now seems a good time to summarise some of the ideas proposed by members:

'Lies, damned lies, and statistics: the importance of getting your maths right when reporting trial data' in light of Ben Goldacre's recent outburst.
Risk: what it really means. Evaluating and reporting responsibly on issues involving degrees of risk.
Libel. As Pete Wrobel said: "This hardly seems to be touched in the science communication courses, and fewer and fewer journalists seem to feel confident about it."
Embargoes
Tax: what you can claim on and royalties
Tips for freelancers
Effective ways of tackling pseudoscience and bad/misleading science reporting in the none specialist media

At least one person also expressed an interest in repeating some of the briefings from last year (Writing a popular science book, A training session on copyright, Pitching and negotiating, Students meet the Editors, Writing for learned society magazines, Podcasts, Blogging).

If you have any further suggestions please post them in the comments below, on the ABSW-L thread or on the ABSW Facebook group discussion thread. There's another committee meeting coming up in a two weeks so get your ideas in please!

Another take on science in the media

2009-04-11T15:49:00.003+01:00

It is always interesting to see how other people view the strange business of science communication. The latest example to come across the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining where Rupal Mehta has written a detailed piece Lost in translation? Science in the media.

Rupal compares science communication with bringing a product to market. Companies would never go about this, she says, "without doing their homework and establishing good links with the rest of the supply chain. Communicating with the media is no different, she explains, "every link in the chain, be it scientists, press officers or journalists, has its role to play. When one element is ‘faulty’ or does not do its job properly, the quality of the output is affected."

The article has plenty of quotes from various players in the process, on such topics as the MMR saga. The blame this one, it seems, "rests squarely at the feet of the media," according to Tom Sheldon, Engineering Press Officer at the Science Media Centre.

There are, though, times when companies have to shoulder the blame. Take coverage of research into fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft engines. No one has written about this, preferring to chew over the local and environmental implications of a new runway at UK’s Heathrow Airport.

Tom Sheldon has tried. "We phone the press officers for the big companies, and are often told there is no-one available, or are issued with a statement. I understand there is a confidentiality issue, but if you don’t put the record straight, then you only have yourselves to blame."

Rupal's view is that good science press officers can act as "the vital third link in the chain" between scientists and the media. "The relationship between the scientist and the press officer is key – ‘bad’ science journalism can sometimes be down to miscommunication between these two elements."

Tips on using the ABSW-L

2009-04-10T17:44:00.002+01:00

Many of you already subscribe to ABSW-L, our official mailing list, where the majority of official ABSW announcements are communicated and many members choose to discuss many different topics, from professional queries to general debates about science.

The list is a valuable way to stay in touch with the Association and your fellow members. However, I realise not everyone is aware that the list exists, and some who were previously subscribed left.

Some members may not be aware that there are different ways to access and take part in ABSW-L that don't involve receiving a load of emails into your inbox.

The ABSW-L emails are actually generated from a Google Groups discussion forum. From that website, you can access all the conversations and communiques going on ABSW-L as a web-based forum for you to dip in and out as you like. Conversations are grouped by subject (like in Gmail/Google Mail) making it easy to skim the posts that are relevant to you.

If you prefer to get notices into your email, but don't want to flood your inbox, you can choose to get a single daily digest instead. To be clear the options available in your subscription settings are:

No Email (Read messages on the web)
Abridged email (Get a summary of new activity each day)
Digest email (Get up to 25 new messages bundled into a single email)
Email (Each new message is forwarded to your inbox as it arrives)

You can subscribe to the group and access all these features with any email address (not just gmail addresses).

I hope these tips are useful and encourage any members not currently engaged with ABSW-L to at least dip in every now and again.

Thanks to Mike Nagle, on whose email this post is based.

EUSJA study trips to Germany and plug your books in TSR

2009-04-10T17:33:00.003+01:00

For anyone that missed it, I'm posting a couple of items Barbie emailed yesterday:

Plug your book in the next issue of The Science Reporter

If you have a book that has come out in 2009 or will be published by the end of June 2009 we'd like to spread the good news in the members' books section of The Science Reporter. Please send an e-mail to sunny [at] sunnybains.com with full details (title, author, ISBN, publisher, publication date, price, URL) no later than 21 April.

Study trips to Germany

The end of April is the closing date for applications for members to attend a study trip to the 59th meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau, Germany (sadly this clashes with the World Conference, taking place 28 June-3 July).

This is the first of a number of EUSJA study trips coming up. You have to pay your own travel but all accommodation and meals will be provided. The meeting this year is dedicated to chemistry and we have a place for one ABSW member to attend. Please send an application to EUSJA secretary, Viola Egikova - violae [at] mail.ru; egikova [at] mospravda.ru by April 30.

The next study trip, again to Germany, is being organised by the Helmholtz Association looking at energy research. This is a five day trip (13-18 September) beginning in Stuttgart and ending in Berlin.

Full details of this will be featured either in The Science Reporter or on the website but if you are certain you would like to be considered please send an email to Barbie Drillsma - absw [at] absw.org.uk

New members

2009-04-07T12:19:00.003+01:00

Profiles of the latest members to join the ABSW have been posted on the Online TSR. Go here to find out who's new...

http://thesciencereporter.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-members.html

Profiles were compiled by Kat Arney, Vice chair, from information provided by members. Two that were too late to make it into the main list were:

Dr Paul Olding (BBC)
Full member

Paul is a director and producer at the BBC, with ten years of experience in making science documentaries. He has worked as producer/director on the BBC's award-winning Horizon strand, and other shows including 'Andrew Marr's Dangerous idea: Life and Death' and 'Earth - the Power of the Planet: Volcanoes'. As well as his extensive experience in the world of TV and film-making, he is a writer whose work has been published in Dive magazine, BBC Wildlife, the Guardian and the Independent. In addition, he is a freelance photographer, and has experience working as a radio presenter, including writing and presenting 'The Frog that Croaked' on BBC Radio 4. www.paulolding.co.uk

Emma Ross (Freelance communications specialist)
Associate member

Emma is an independent health communications consultant based in London. She specialises in managing media operations for medical sciences conferences, facilitating the release of other medical and public health stories and providing strategic communications advice, including media training.She spent the bulk of her career as a medical correspondent for the Associated Press before a stint as news team leader at the World Health Organisation. Emma has a Master's degree in journalism.

Job Advert: Reporter, Research Fortnight

2009-04-07T08:13:00.001+01:00

Research Fortnight, the main newsletter covering UK research policy, and Research Europe, which covers the European Union, is looking for a reporter to join our busy newsdesk in London.

The reporter will join a dedicated team reporting on policies that matter to researchers in the hard sciences and other academic disciplines. They will prepare stories for our daily online bulletins as well as our print newsletters.

This position calls for a background in science, engineering or the social sciences, some knowledge of research and of the UK university system, limitless curiosity and, above all, ambition to succeed in journalism. Fluency in French, German or a Scandinavian language would also be an advantage.

Research Fortnight has been published since 1994 and is the policy bible of the UK research community. Our overseas publications are valued just as highly, and reach hundreds of thousands of subscribers through our website, www.researchresearch.com

The successful applicant will be based at our offices in Hoxton, five minutes from Old Street and Liverpool Street stations, along with 30+ other staff. The starting salary is up to £21,000, subject to review after six months.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter, CV and three examples of your work to the editor, Colin Macilwain, at job28@researchresearch.com by Tuesday, April 14.

Minimalist Web Browsing

2009-04-06T09:52:00.016+01:00

Sometimes reading on the web can be overwhelming, with sidebars packed with animated banner ads, popup offers that repeatedly popup, hidden pop-under boxes, and screaming Flash intros that take an age to complete, even on a broadband connection. Wouldn't it be nice when you're in a hurry to get to the flesh of an article to simply block all the ads, animations, Flash, and scripts? Well, for people who use the Firefox web browser, and a few others, there are ways and means...

First suggested addon to install is NoScript. This program automaticaly blocks scripts, malicious or otherwise and protects you from clickjacking and other nasties. In blocking scripts (other than those you deliberately add to the white list), it also prevents a site from running many of the standard scripts that display popup ads.

Protection aside, the second suggested Firefox addon is AdBlockPlus, which as it name would suggest block ads and more. It's an application that has the advertising industry and those who depend on it for income up in arms. However, I'd suggest that most people aware of its existence and inclined to use it are not generally the sort of people who would click ads in the first place. ABP is fairly customisable, allowing wildcard filtering of whole ad networks across all the sites you visit. it also several free subscription services of regularly updated networks that you can use to automate the filtering process. If you're using Google Chrome browser there's AdSweep and there are techniques for blocking ads in Internet Explorer 8.

If blocking ads brings on a guilty sweat, then there is often a legitimate way to get a clear view of a web article and that is through the "print version" link on a page. Not all websites offer such a link but those that do will usually present you with an ad-free view of the page you're hoping to read. If you cannot quickly see the "print version" link on the page, then you can try Print Hint, which is an add-on that creates a toolbar icon that changes colour if it detects a printer friendly page.

All self-respecting alpha browsers will already have Greasemonkey installed, but if you're still aspiring to that epithet, then you should grab this addon for Firefox. It is not in itself an application, but a framework for adding tweakable applets to Firefox that allow you to control how a web site will look in your browser. The scripts necessary to make Greasemonkey useful are available at UserScripts.org.

Among those Greasemonkey userscripts you will find tools to remove sponsored links and ads from Google and all its applications (mail, reader, calendar, talk), from Facebook, and to automatically redirect you to the print version of an article on several sites, including Scientific American, Business Week, Globe and Mail, and others.

Do I advocate you using any of these ad blocking applications? Not really, I'll leave that to your conscience, but as science writers, I don't think we're generally the target audience for ads for mass spectrometers or lab technician jobs and moreover are probably among the least likely groups (together with Linux hackers) to actually click through any ad on a site.

Indeed, I suspect that any science writer going ad free in this way will get more out of the article itself and be more likely to cite it in their own follow-up on a topic. Such a citation will not only provide Google link juice (page rank effect) from the writer's own outlet, but also put the other publication into a wider context and provide the kind of validation that advertisers can only dream about when creating their interminably flashy popunders and animated website intros.

Incidentally, you the browser should have full control over how a website looks, but you can switch these various tools on and off or set them to only block ads on specific sites. If you're feeling guilty about depriving the site owners their ad revenue, but still want to read the site "clean" you could have them switched off most of the time and just do an ad block when you need a clear view of a particular page or if you need an uncluttered printout.

Siemens backs competition for young technology journalists

2009-04-03T11:27:00.000+01:00

Siemens, the German industry giant, is backing a competition for student journalists. The focus is on "technology journalism," a rarely acknowledged branch of the trade.

In its announcement, Competition for young journalists from northern Germany, Siemens says that the idea behind the venture is "Getting young people interested in technology through journalism".

In April, "young journalists from school newspapers and campus media from Hamburg, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony" will turn up at the Hannover Messe, the "the world's leading showcase for industrial technology". There they will report on what they see. A jury of editors and PR officials will judge the submissions.

This is the sixth such competition, with more than 500 participants over the years. Indeed, the press release says that the competition "has become a fixture of the trade fair".

Siemens says that students from all over Germany have entered the technology journalism contest and have shown that "writing about technology is not just for engineers who have a way with words".

The prizes will be awarded in June. The ten best technology journalists will be able to take part in a TV workshop while other prizes include "internships at professional journals as well as books".

April Fools

2009-04-02T17:31:00.002+01:00

April Fools Day has come and gone, and science, being stranger than fiction at times, once again proved a fertile ground for media pranksters.

There's a discussion going on over at the ABSW-L about good April Fools stories past and present. Our Chairman, Ted Nield, tells of a piece he did about the Geological Society honouring the then England cricket Captain Nasser Hussein, who studied geology at Durham. All good fun until a Daily Express sports reporter rang weeks later to say he'd been chasing up the story and trying to get a comment out of a "Dr Avril Foley" of the "University of Limerick"...

Mike Kenward recalls a New Scientist piece about genetically engineered beef, with an added tomato gene to make ketchup redundant. Bernard Dixon remembers another feature they ran about fragments of ancient pottery that had been unearthed showing several young ladies, and parts thereof, engaged in interesting activities.

This year it was a bit hard to tell the fact from fiction on the New Scientist website, with a report on a study of navel fluff, fuel cells for medical implants that feed on human blood and masturbation bringing hay fever relief for men (all of which may well be true. I haven't checked, though the last one comes with references. Pun intended. Sorry :p).

Elsewhere, the Express did a piece on an invisible car, the Telegraph reported that fish could be the solution to our energy crisis, and the Guardian said it was going to publish only on Twitter (a good satire but rather poor as an April Fools prank). And over on Radio 4, the Today programme also had an item on spider monkeys bringing donuts in tribute to an island-bound alpha chimpanzee female, with scientists debating whether primates should now be reclassified as the same species as humans.

What's the best science/technology/medicine-related April Fools you've heard?

Do bloggers need editors?

2009-04-02T10:37:00.002+01:00

The debate about the merits of bloggers versus "professional" science writers rattles on. You can read a lot of it in a recent post on something called A Blog Around The Clock, within Seed's ScienceBlogs empire. The piece in question, Defining the Journalism vs. Blogging Debate, with a Science Reporting angle, comes from someone who clearly thinks he has a lot to contribute to the debate. And it really is a lot.

This raises an issue that does not seem to enter into the ruminations of the bloggers. They rattle on about accuracy, timeliness and stuff, but rarely get into things like the choice of a story and practical things like readability and length.

My software tells me that this piece is more than 10,000 words long. That may be a inaccurate, life is too short to read the piece carefully, let alone to count the words.

Which publication would allow a writer to rabbit on at that length? Even in its most ponderous days Scientific American would have seen that as at the upper limit of readability. And on New Scientist, another place where they cover science at greater length than most newspapers, it would have been a crime against humanity.

It is just too easy to write too much when you don't have an editor shouting at you. That is one reason why it is harder to write science for tabloid newspapers than for broadsheets. The editors are less tolerant on the tabloids.

Written by a specialist in "chronobiology (circadian rhythms and photoperiodism), with additional interests in comparative physiology, animal behavior and evolution," this particular item may contain some gems. (The readers who commented seem to think so, but they fall into the usual mould for blogdom "Great post, awesome" sums up the insight available in most responses.) Few readers, though, will have the staying power to mine them all.

An editor would have told our expert to focus on one or two points and to make them clearly and concisely. The editor would also have asked who the audience might be.

Unlike bloggers, profesional writers see little point in writing for their own consumption. Ideally, they want to reach people who would normally avoid the subject. You don't do that by writing too much.

A paradox here is that the web is supposed to be a very different medium: writers have to "screen at a time" reading. This guy witters on for screen after screen.

Maybe there is a point to Twitter after all.

Advancement of science lives on

2009-03-31T12:04:00.003+01:00

The British Association for the Advancement of Science may be a thing of the past, they changed the name to British Science Association, but the advancement word lives on. This is thanks to the Royal Society, which has just set up a new centre for the advancement of science.

The RS has bought Chicheley Hall, a country pile, sorry, "historic stately home," where "scientists from all over the UK and the world will be able to meet to discuss and develop their work". The RS's new pad is two miles east of Newport Pagnell, not far from idyllic Milton Keynes.

Unless the RS decides to get into the business, the place will lose its role in the weddings market, but it will reclaim its status as a place where more important things happen. Wikipedia tells us that during the Second World War the Special Operations Executive used the place as its Special Training School No. 46. (More recently, it also stood in for Bletchley Park in a TV programme.)

The money for the new venture comes from the Kavli Foundation, those nice people who are funding the AAAS's awards for science writers. The foundation will also use Chicheley Hall as its European home.

The place cost £6.5 million, knocked down from an asking price of £9 million in 2007, and will open in 2010, the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Society.

New book by ABSW member Mark Henderson

2009-03-30T15:54:00.003+01:00

Mark Henderson's first book is being published on Thursday April 2. It's called 50 Genetics Ideas You Really Need To Know, and is published by Quercus. It's a broad introduction to basic concepts and issues in genetics, written very much with a lay audience in mind. The "50 Ideas" series already includes similar titles on physics, maths etc.

If you're interested, it's available for pre-order from Amazon at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Genetics-Ideas-Really-Need-Know/dp/1847246710 -and it should be in the bookshops from Thursday!

Mark is Science Editor of The Times Newspaper

Lessons from cold fusion's 20th birthday

2009-03-27T15:42:00.001Z

It is surely no coincidence that yet another group of researchers is reporting signs of "cold fusion" 20 years after the first storm in a test tube. The fact that the subject is in the news again adds extra interest to the account of how the journalist who first broke the story came to do so.

In a piece on the FT's science blob, A sad anniversary for cold fusion, Clive Cookson, the paper's science editor, tells how the story landed in his lap.

He was visiting his father who, like Martin Fleischmann, one the duo that "invented" cold fusion, was a chemistry professor at Southampton University. "I happened to answer the phone before dinner," says Clive. Fleischmann was on the other end. "He told me at once that he was in America, and he did not want to talk to my father but to me – in confidence."

Fleischmann then filled Clive in on the story and asked for advice on how to deal with the media. Clive cautioned Fleischmann against a press conference that the University of Utah wanted to hold to tell the world about the breakthrough. "I advised him to resist the university’s pressure to hold a press conference, if he possibly could – while being aware that such sensational news might leak out."

The university ignored this. So Fleischmann offered Clive enough details to write a piece.

At first the idea was for the FT to run something after the press conference. It was only later that it occured to Clive "that there wouldn’t be an FT on Friday. Unlike American papers – or indeed most British papers - we never publish on Good Friday."

He persuaded Fleischmann to let the FT run ahead of the pack on the grounds that "cool, calm coverage in the FT would help to set the tone for the press conference later that day". The rest is history.

Clive offers some interesting lessons from the saga. One might upset scientists greatly.

"Although everyone agrees that it really is best for research not to be released in the mass media before it has appeared in a peer-reviewed journal, the media will have no compunction about reporting sensational findings that have not been peer reviewed, so long as the scientists in question come from reputable institutions and have respectable research backgrounds, as Professors Fleischmann and Pons did."

Journalists will see this as blindingly obvious. It is not our job to peer review science.

New dawn breaks over Dana

2009-03-26T08:38:00.003Z

Ted Nield, Chair, ABSW reports on last night’s Committee meeting

Last night your Executive Committee met at the sign of the squashed blueberry – otherwise known as the headquarters of our friends the “British Science Association” (yes, yes, you know who they are) at the Dana Centre. At a previous meeting the Committee decided the Chair should communicate the highlights of its evening conflabs using the new tools of communication now at our demand - and so this is it.

The first piece of news is that I am going. (No, nothing to do with having to write these reports.) With great pleasure, I announced to the Committee that Natasha Loder (of The Economist) had agreed to take on the role of Chair. Moreover, we have agreed on an “orderly handover” during the World Conference of Science Journalists this summer - to which of course you must all come (Click the ad to the right and register NOW!). Natasha will then stand for election along with the rest of the Committee in the usual way at the 2010 AGM.

I am particularly delighted to have been able to find someone so young, able and energetic to take on this role. Natasha and I have served together on the committee before, and she has recently re-joined us as World Conference Liaison Officer. Handing over to her early at the World Conference will not only allow me to avoid remaining in post for an unconstitutionally long period; it will allow her to use the momentum of that great event to give impetus to an agenda for change – change that the Association must adopt if it is to survive in this rapidly shifting world of science communication. Natasha will be consulting widely with your newly reinvigorated Committee about what form those changes should take; but you can take it from me that she does not want for ideas, nor the commitment to see them through.

I was also able to introduce yet another new member of the Committee, Ian Adamson. Ian is a mathematics Masters student from Kings College, and as a staunch supporter of last year’s Briefing sessions, has agreed to take over from me as their organiser for 2009. The Committee welcomed him and decided to begin a consultation with you all about what topics might be covered in the coming year. Committee member Mun-Keat Looi has already initiated this discussion on our lists. Part of what we wish to achieve in the future is greater regionality, so Committee member Chrissie Giles has agreed to take on the role as Regional Groups Coordinator on the Committee.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Lincolns Inn Fields has generously offered to host the briefings next year, replacing an identical sponsorship deal that we enjoyed last year from the Geological Society of London. We are very grateful to them for the free use of their rooms, and to the RCS’s Jane Hughes, whose initiative this was.

Free briefings

The Committee also accepted my proposal that in the coming session Briefings should be free. We introduced charges at a time when the Association’s finances were at a very low ebb indeed, and we couldn’t afford for any of our activities to be on the wrong side of the balance sheet. Now, thanks to you for paying your dues (and for sterling work by Jacob Aron in combing through our membership database and writing to those who had forgotten or paid the wrong amount) the time has come to relax this condition in order to welcome more colleagues to these excellent networking events. As Committee member Wendy Grossman said “The best thing the ABSW can offer its members is each other”.

So for that reason, non-members will still be charged (or asked to join!).

Awards 2009

The Committee accepted a proposal (from Natasha Loder and Committee member Sunny Bains) to offer a measure of membership involvement in one of the two ABSW Awards that will be on offer this year. Members will be aware that we were unable once again to raise sponsorship for our long-standing awards, and it seems increasingly likely that in the future we shall have to run them quite differently from the way we did them in the past. However, to keep the brand alive, this summer at the World Conference we shall be offering two awards only – a Lifetime Achievement Award (which is in the gift of the Committee) and a Best Newcomer Award, which will be open to online nominations. Watch out for further instructions soon from Natasha and Sunny.

Golden shower

We discussed much besides, and many people were thanked for their continuing work; but these are not the minutes! However, for those eagerly awaiting it, I should report that progress on the design and implementation of the Association’s new website (being developed by Committee member Mike Nagle) has now resumed. There was a slight hold-up when Mike’s brand new laptop “went for a swim” (in lager, apparently – and not Mike’s either) and had to be dried out.

One last thing. Since I became Chair, leading your Committee’s efforts to save and raise money and to put the Association’s accounts onto a more professional basis, has been your Treasurer, Martin Ince. Like me, he has also announced his intention to step down this year. (Actually, constitutionally I didn’t have a choice; but treasurers can go on forever, because it’s so difficult to find them.) If you are not frightened by figures and can hold your nerve in a crisis, Martin would like to hear from you.

Ted Nield

$2 million for AAAS Science Journalism Awards

2009-03-23T12:18:00.001Z

One of the world's oldest awards for science journalism is now worth $2 million. Not that all the cash goes to a single winner, it is an endowment to fund the scheme into the future.

The announcement from the AAAS, made some time ago but just sent out on the association's monthly newsletter, says that the "Kavli Foundation has provided a $2 million endowment that will ensure the future of the prestigious Science Journalism Awards program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science".

The original backer, the engineering company Westinghouse, funded the "Westinghouse Awards" for nearly 50 years. From 2010, the name changes to the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award.

In 2000 Fred Kavli, "a prominent California business leader and noted philanthropist" set up the foundation which "is currently actively involved in establishing major research institutes at leading universities and institutions in the United States, Europe and Asia".

The foundation's activities include a series of science journalism bootcamps, "administered by the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology". This year's event, from 15 - 18 June, will be on nanotechnology.

Job Advert: Science Writer wanted by Health Research Board of Ireland

2009-03-18T09:45:00.003Z

FROM: Health Research Board of Ireland
DATE: 16 March 2009
JOB REFERENCE: A Picture of Health 2009

BACKGROUND TO QUOTATION REQUEST

The Health Research Board is seeking the support of a science writer to assist in the production of the 2009 edition of its annual publication ‘A Picture of Health’.

First published in 2003, the publication describes, in non-technical language, the latest developments in health research in Ireland supported by the HRB. Its purpose is to communicate the outcomes of HRB-funded research in lay terms to key stakeholder groups, such as budget holders and policy-makers, in a way that highlights the relevance, value and potential impact of this research on people’s health, the delivery of health services and the formulation of health policy. (Please also note that based on a review of the 2009 edition the HRB may provide the option of extending the contract of the successful writer for the 2010 publication subject to agreement of terms and conditions).

PARTICULARS OF QUOTATION REQUEST

Requirements:

Science writing services for an approx 50-page lay publication entitled ‘A Picture of Health 2009’. The material will comprise research summaries arising from the portfolio of HRB-funded research selected by HRB personnel.
The format of the 2009 publication is envisaged to comprise approx 20 stories of 400 words in length, and 12 ‘in brief’ summaries of approx 100 words in length.
The successful writer will be required to liaise with the research community in order to understand and develop the source material for the publication
The successful writer will also be required to write short summaries of a selection of the stories for the purpose of the HRB press release relating to the publication

Key Deliverables:

A project initiation meeting with HRB personnel in HRB offices, Dublin to agree the final content plan for the publication
Conduct of telephone (or email) interviews with 20 researchers to gain additional insight around context of research and findings
Production of 20 research stories of 400 word length, 12 brief communications of 100 words in length, and six short summaries of the most newsworthy stories at 100 words length for the HRB press release by the end of June 2009*
Editing and proof-reading of drafts of the publication leading to the final published report

* Please note that the final content plan for the 2009 publication and final deadline for submission of material may be subject to amendment – however quotations should be based on this provisional plan, while the impact on costs of any amendments may be negotiated at contract stage

Proposals should include the following information:

The name of the person providing a quotation and details relating to track record, ability and experience (please submit one sample of your work that you would consider to be your best example of relevant writing material)
A proposal as to how the requirements and key deliverables will be met
An outline of the timescale for delivering on the project
An estimate of the costs involved in the project (including editing and proof reading), including VAT

Relevant Information

As a general guide, based on previous productions of this publication, the cost of this job is expected to be in the region of €9,000 - €13,000. Please access the 2003-2008 ‘Picture of Health’ publications on the HRB website (to request a hard copy email bcurran@hrb.ie)

Evaluation criteria

Quotations for the above project will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Demonstrated ability to write about scientific matter in a clear, concise, easy-to-understand style suitable for a non-specialist audience
Track record and experience of producing material of a similar nature
Quality of the proposal to meet the key requirements and deliverables
Ability to meet the deadline for completion
Cost and value for money of the proposal

Deadline for quotation:

Please submit your quotation by email to bcurran@hrb.ie by 5.00pm on Friday 27 March 2009

Terms and conditions

The HRB is not bound to accept the lowest priced or any proposal. Acceptance by the HRB of a proposal will be subject to the negotiation of a contract. The contract will be awarded based on a fixed price. All travel, subsistence and other expenses related to the project are deemed to be part of the fixed price.

Invoices are to be issued at the satisfactory completion of each stage of the contract as agreed at the outset. Payment will be on foot of appropriate documentation (including an up-to date tax clearance certificate) and invoices, and will be paid in accordance with the terms of the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions Regulations), 2002.

The successful applicant/s will report progress on the project at regular intervals to the project manager in the HRB.

All enquiries and correspondence relating to this call for proposals should be addressed to Brendan Curran, Evaluation Manager: e bcurran@hrb.ie or t +353 (01) 2345 137

HRB Background Information

The Health Research Board (HRB) is the lead agency in Ireland supporting and funding health research. Our aim is to improve people’s health through research. With an annual budget of approximately €50 million from the Department of Health and Children and current commitments worth almost €200 million, we support a broad range of health research in Ireland that we hope will improve the delivery of patient care and the health of the population. Our funding is focused on building people’s research capability, providing relevant equipment and infrastructure and supporting research programmes in a wide variety of areas. Our research programmes range from tackling cancer or heart disease to examining the impact of socio-economic factors on people’s health, from creating an electronic patient record to improve care for people with a chronic disease, to identifying genes that are common among people with a particular disease.

Jenny Gristock – a woman of outstanding achievement

2009-03-13T19:44:00.003Z

Anyone who does not know what Dr Jenny Gristock, ABSW member and "science policy wonk," looks like can see photos of her plastered around the Wellcome Collection on the Euston Road. Jenny is one of this year's "Women of Outstanding Achievement". This means that she features in the Women of Outstanding Achievement Photographic Exhibition "featuring portraits of the six pioneering females chosen".

The details of the event tell us that Jenny is one of two women honoured for "communication of SET with a contribution to society". SET is, of course, science engineering and technology.

The awards come from the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology. The Women of Outstanding Achievement Photographic Exhibition has been going for four year and is "designed to profile pioneering women in SET as role models in a sector in which females are highly under-represented".

Salaam, Trieste - student interns wanted

2009-03-13T08:59:00.004Z

Now then, pay attention, all you Sci, Comm, student writers out there. The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) no less, based in Trieste, Italy, is offering a science communications summer internship for students (or recent graduates) enrolled in science writing programmes.

They tell us that they "are looking for a student who can write timely, interesting articles about the science and training activities at the Centre". With the Trieste campus as his or her beat, the intern will take the initiative to interview scientists and students and contribute articles to ICTP's newsletter, website and other United Nations-related publications. By the end of the internship the intern should have an impressive portfolio of clips.

The internship can last up to 2 months, with a small weekly stipend. ICTP will provide housing, daily subsistence allowance and round-trip transportation to and from Trieste, Italy.

You can can find more details about the internship, as well as ICTP, at http://pio.ictp.it/summer-internship.

Turkish science editor fired over evolution feature

2009-03-12T13:22:00.005Z

A tweet from New Scientist takes us to a blog item from Debbie MacKenzie in Brussels which took us on to the Turkish site Hurriyet. Debbie's item, Turkey's battles with Islamic creationists continue, is about the sacking of the editor of Bilim ve Teknik (Science and Technology), "the excellent popular science magazine".

Evolution is the cause of the ruckus. The Turkish national science council, TÜBİTAK, which publishes the magazine, also pulled a cover feature on Darwin's anniversary and put in its place a feature on global warming.

Lest anyone think that all Turks are backward looking fundamentalists of the George Bush variety, Hurriyet reports disquiet at ministerial level. "State Minister Mehmet Aydın expressed discontent at the removal of the Darwin story." The news service also quotes the minister as saying "This is not TÜBİTAK’s mission."

There are then some juicy bits of mud slinging. They quote an unnamed academic as saying that Professor Ömer Cebeci, the axe wielder and vice president of TÜBİTAK, it seems, "is an ignorant manager and is unaware of the scientific research going on abroad and at home. The political decision makers that brought Cebeci to his post are just as ignorant as Cebeci himself."

It isn't actually clear if the editor in question, Çiğdem Atakuman, really has lost her job. According to Hurriyet "Aydın said the chief editor was not removed from her post, basing his comment on a conversation with a TÜBİTAK official". But as New Scientist said in its tweet, "Let's support her".

Recruitment – Nobel Prizes: Online Editors/Event Managers wanted

2009-03-12T09:31:00.003Z

EMPLOYER: Nobelprize.org

JOB/COURSE TITLE: Online Editors/Event Managers

SHORT AD DESCRIPTION: Highly motivated and organised individuals needed to join a small team working on an educational outreach programme that takes Nobel Laureate in Physics and Chemistry to universities around the world.

LONG AD DESCRIPTION: Nobelprize.org, the official website of the Nobel Foundation, with headquarters based in Stockholm, Sweden, is seeking two enthusiastic people to work in its expanding London office in Camden. The successful applicants will join a team working on the Honeywell-Nobel Initiative, an educational outreach programme that takes Nobel Laureates in Physics and Chemistry to universities around the world (for more information see www.honeywellscience.com).

The chief goals for these new positions will be to help develop the programme and the evolution and expansion of the initiative’s website. Key tasks will include planning and attending Honeywell-Nobel Initiative events, interacting with Nobel Laureates, generating video content for the website, developing new content streams and creating online communities. While these tasks could be divided into two separate roles, one concerned more with the event management side and the other concerned mainly with content creation, these two job descriptions can be tailored to the individual skills of the successful candidates. Both positions may involve fairly frequent travel. Applicants should have a background in science or engineering, be highly organized and good at working in geographically separated teams, and possess a good understanding of event management and online communication and education.

Nobelprize.org offers a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a highly creative and congenial atmosphere, helping to provide truly inspirational content. To apply, please send a covering letter indicating your salary requirements and how your previous experience relates to these positions, together with a full CV, by email to the Editor-in-Chief, who can be contacted for further information at editor@nobelprize.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt with a closing date of Monday 23 March 2009. Early application is encouraged.

JOB POSTCODE: NW1 7DB
SALARY: On request
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
HOURS: Full time
QUALIFICATION LEVEL: Undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
CLOSING DATE: Monday 23 March 2009
CONTACT DETAILS: Editor-in-Chief, Nobelprize.org, editor@nobelprize.org.
HOW TO APPLY: Please send a covering letter indicating your salary requirements and how your previous experience relates to these positions, together with a full CV, by email to the Editor-in-Chief, who can be contacted for further information at editor@nobelprize.org.

Who let the gene genie out of the box?

2009-03-02T10:02:00.001Z

When a science journalist sits down to write an article, the last thing they have in mind is that an academic somewhere will use the piece as in a research project. But that is just what Rebecca Carver did in her doctoral work on "Genes in the media" at the Institute for Basic Medical Sciences (IMB) at the University of Oslo.

Not content with writing her PhD and a journal paper, Dr Carver has colluded in the creation of a press release on her work Oslo-scientists have found the media gene. In this we read:

“We chose to analyse the national newspapers Aftenposten, VG and Dagbladet from Norway; The Guardian, The Daily Mail and The Sun from the UK,” Carver explains. “We randomly selected a total of 300 articles, including commentaries, features, news stories and news briefs that referred to the gene concept in various ways.”

There then follows a detailed description of different uses of the "gene" thingy in these media. You will have to read the paper in "the important international journal EMBO Reports, issued for the European Molecular Biology Organization" for the full details.

Carver's key message seems to be that "journalists and editors, striving for a catchy news story, often convert a relativistic message into a deterministic one". Guess what, it all comes down to the "titles and bylines". As Carver pouts it "we have found that the titles and bylines are often deterministic whilst the relativistic and evolutionary frames tend to be present further into the article".

Carver, who has also has a "Master degree in Science Communication from Imperial College London," wants to hear from science reporters. As Carver and Jarle Breivik, her supervisor, put it, “We hope our work will increase awareness of how we communicate the gene concept, and would like to come into contact with both scientists and journalists.”

No prizes for kids books

2009-02-27T11:31:00.001Z

It is the time of the year again for science writers to pile in with their entries for the Royal Society's awards for science books. The RS has just put out the Call for entries for this year's awards.

You have until 2 April 2009 to fill in the on-line entry form and to persuade your publisher to send them seven "non-returnable copies of each entry".

There is a prize of £10,000 for the winner while the authors of the short-listed books get £1000. Sadly, they haven't lined up a big sponsor, so there is no Junior Prize this year.

The press release says that, after winning last year, Mark Lynas's Six degrees: Our future on a hotter planet "saw sale figures more than double throughout the months following the award".

Science Journalism Growing Overseas

2009-02-24T23:00:00.002Z

Way back in the mists of time, probably some time in the late 1970s, New Scientist sent two people from to the AAAS in Denver, the magazine's forst foray into alien territory. When they got there, they were surprised to find another two or three locals, folks from the BBC's always excellent radio science unit. That was the sum total of the Brit contingent.

How things have changed. Other reports suggest that the UK contingent all but ounumbered the locals.

Now we have Cristine (Cris) Russell, who is probably too young to have been in Denver, writing for the Columbia Journalism Review about the increasing foreign presence at the AAAS, Science Journalism Growing Overseas.

"The number of science reporters and journalists-in-training from far-flung parts of the world—the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America, as well as Canada, the U.K., Germany, Sweden and other parts of Europe—has expanded at AAAS. At the same time, the presence of working American science reporters from major newspapers and magazines has declined over time, their ranks often replaced by a diverse group of freelancers and digital journalists who write, blog, and Twitter for a variety of startup and established news and information Web sites."

The comments on this piece suggest that the golden era is over. "I think that science journalism is a vanishing specialty in Germany as well as in the United States," says one observer.

Another group present in reasonable numvers in Denver was the team from CBC's Quirks and Quark. At the Chicago bash this fine rival to the BBC – I have memory of an embarrassingly late bar bill drinking with David Suzuki in Denver – was, it seems, "not represented by a staffer".

Paul Raeburn tries to bring things down to earth with the view that the AAAS was "rarely a showcase for breaking news". Sorry Paul, but that has always been the case, even when the US science writing corps turned up in large numbers.

The science pack inthe USA used to be able to sell rewarmed science to its editors. Are you telling us that these editors are now much more in tune with what is happening in science?

That really would be good news.

Unsporting gesture at the FT

2009-02-07T15:35:00.001Z

Remember the fuss about decisions to abandon specialist science reporting in places like CNN? An underlying theme of the discussion was that science journalism is somehow special. True, maybe, if you are a science writer, but business journalism, law journalism and sports journalism, for example, can all lay claim to needing special expertise and dedicated teams.

It is a shame when any of specialist teams gets the chop. But showing that science is not that special, an item in Cision, Media bulletin, tells us that the piece tells us that the Financial Times has "announced plans to cease sports coverage as of 14th February following ongoing cutbacks at the newspaper".

There is also a report on this development on the Guardian's web site. This tells us that the latest cuts are just the latest of many on the FT.

The good news has to be that science reporting is more important to the FT than sports coverage. If CNN were to chop its sports team, that really would signal the end of civilisation as they know it.

Can ABSW members support science reporters in developing countries?

2009-02-06T22:18:00.003Z

Thanks to Naima Reza for alerting ABSW-L to this item by David Dickson Learning by doing: Experiences of writing for SciDev.Net.

The ever resourceful service relies heavily on "reports commissioned from, or sent to us by, science journalists across the developing world". So SciDev.Net decided to survey its freelance contributors.

The 62 journalists who responded was, David admits, "neither particularly comprehensive nor scientific". Anecdotal the survey may be, but it has some interesting results. One observation is that "almost 70 per cent of survey respondents said that writing for SciDev.Net, as well as the editorial feedback we give, has improved their written English skills". Other findings include:

"39 per cent of the respondents said that persuading government sources to comment on news stories was often difficult"
"half of the respondents sometimes had difficulty persuading press officers to help them access information"
"more than two-thirds said that scientists were sometimes unwilling to be interviewed".

Many of these observations will come as little surprise to ABSW members – would we have produced very different answers to the same questions? But it is well worth reading the piece for more details.

The point of putting something here is to pick up on Naima's reason for alerting ABSW-L. Can we do anything to help the people who write for SciDev.Net?

As David writes "the survey confirmed that many science journalists in the developing world feel isolated in their work, and would welcome greater contact with professional colleagues in other countries". How can we make that happen? Perhaps David can come up with some thoughts.

CERN's head of communications on the media flap

2009-01-30T18:41:00.001Z

James Gillies, the poor soul who had to put up with Andrew Marr and a media circus on the day the world did not end, offers his account on what happened at at the LHC in an interview with Matthew Chalmers on physicsworld.com, CERN: the view from inside. Among other things, James puts paid to the rumour that it was all set up around Marr's holiday plans, but he does admit that "The BBC did ask if we could put the date back if Andrew couldn’t make it, and we said “no”."
What about that "black hole" scare? "Ultimately it helped us by generating interest, but it also worried an awful lot of people and that makes me somewhat angry. People were phoning us up genuinely worried about the end of the world and demanding to know who CERN is accountable to."
The interview is an interesting account of what went on at CERN, especially the aftermath, when the thing quickly experienced and expensive breakdown. There are tales of (temporarily) suppressed pictures, rewritten notebooks and, reading between the lines, one or two people who thought they could manage the news for their own purposes.
The good news, if you are that way inclined, is that there will be a second chance to experience the excitement, when they restart the LHC. There will, though, be a somewhat smaller circus.
This time we won't have to go there to see what is happening. "The whole process will be webcast. CERN was unwilling to invest in bandwidth before the 10th so the webcast fell over very early in the morning, but we’ve since had companies offering us bandwidth in exchange for having their logo displayed."
Perhaps they should seek funds from those other creators of black holes, the world's banks. Then again, they probably don't have that much spare cash lying around these days.

Manager - EMBO Publications

2009-01-30T16:31:00.000Z

Grade: 9, 10 or 11 depending on experience and qualifications
EMBL site: EMBO Heidelberg
Commencing date: As soon as possible, after closing date

Job description: EMBO, the European Molecular Biology Organization, publishes three high profile journals – The EMBO Journal, EMBO Reports and Molecular Systems Biology. The launch of a fourth journal – EMBO Molecular Medicine – is planned for early 2009. The position of Manager of Publications will fall vacant in the course of 2009. The successful applicant will take over the primary responsibility for the successful operation of all four journals. The role of the publications manager encompasses the overall strategic, scientific and financial management of all four EMBO publications and their editorial offices. EMBO publication policy will be developed together with the EMBO Director, the publications staff, the publishers of the journals, the EMBO publications committee and EMBO Council. Day-to-day responsibilities include liaison with the Senior or Executive academic editors of the journals, the Chair of the EMBO Publications committee, organisation of meetings of this committee and of the advisory editorial boards of the journals including preparation of documentation for and reports of the meetings of these bodies.

Qualifications and experience: The ideal candidate will have proven research track record, a thorough knowledge of molecular biology and broad interests in diverse areas of the life sciences. He/she should have extensive editorial experience and be familiar with trends in modern scientific publishing. A key requirement for the position is the ability to think critically about the wide range of strategic, scientific, financial and management issues required for the successful operation of high quality scientific journals. Fluent English is essential, as are good communication and organisational skills and the ability to provide leadership to the editorial teams.

Contract: An initial contract of 5 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of review.

Closing date: 28 February 2009

Web page: http://www.embo.org

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV (in English) and contact information of three professional references quoting ref. no. W/08/096 in the subject line, to: application@embl.de
Personnel, EMBL, Postfach 10.2209, 69012 Heidelberg, Germany.

Fax: +49 6221 387555 E-mail: application@embl.de

Wanted: eLearning Content Developer

2009-01-29T15:59:00.000Z

The EMBL-EBI’s Outreach and Training Team is looking for an eLearning content developer. The primary duties are to:

Expand and consolidate the EBI’s range of eLearning materials. This will involve updating and maintaining existing content, as well as creating new content in a variety of formats.
Create video-based tutorial and help-desk materials, and support others at the EBI who need to produce these materials. This may involve either storyboarding and working with others or the complete production process, depending on previous experience.
Investigate ways to exploit electronic technologies, such as podcasting, to deliver timely and relevant information to the EBI’s users.
Create synergies within the online community of bioinformatics trainers and trainees.
Contribute to the team’s other outreach and training activities, both at the EBI and around the world. This will involve some international travel to conferences and consortium meetings.

The role will involve substantial initiative and will require extensive interactions with training and outreach representatives throughout the EBI.

This post requires at least a degree in the molecular life sciences most probably followed by PhD or other equivalent experience.The ideal candidate will have at least two years’ experience of generating multimedia content for scientific training purposes, and will have excellent writing and editing skills. (S)he will be capable of communicating complex scientific ideas to different target audiences, ranging from scientists to the general public. Experience in the use of computational biology databases and tools is highly desirable. The eLearning Content Developer will have worked in an international environment, either within academia or in a commercial setting and will be skilled at liaising with design and production teams both within and outside the EBI to achieve the desired end product.

Good knowledge of MS Office, email and internet applications is required. HTML editing and design skills are highly desirable but not essential. Familiarity with graphics and web-design packages such as Adobe Creative Suite is desirable but not essential. Awareness of the challenges involved in delivering multimedia content to different platforms and to areas with low bandwidth is highly desirable.In addition to being highly self-motivated, the ideal candidate will have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as a part of a team. A strong interest (ideally backed up by experience) in scientific elearning tools and methodologies is highly desirable. Ability to work to deadlines is essential, as is the ability to harness the creativity of others whilst ensuring that they keep to brief. Candidates with a desire to work in an international environment are encouraged to apply. Fluency in English is essential, and some familiarity with other European languages is extremely desirable.

An initial contract of 3 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of review.

For further information please visit http://www.embl.org/ and http://www.ebi.ac.uk/

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV (in English) and contact information of three professional references quoting ref. no. ABSW/08/081/EBI in the subject line, to: applications@ebi.ac.uk.

ESF - Press Officer wanted!

2009-01-29T13:59:00.002Z

Press Officer

The European Science Foundation (ESF) provides a platform for its Member Organizations to advance European research and explore new directions for research at the European level.

Established in 1974 as an independent non-governmental organisation, ESF currently serves 80 Member Organisations (Research Funding Agencies, Research Performing Organisations and Academies) across 30 countries.

Mission of the Position

The ESF is offering an exciting position with the opportunity for an experienced press officer to further develop media relations at the ESF.

The mission of this position is to provide ESF Member Organisations, the European Research Community in general, the policy makers, the media and society at large with effective communication and to develop and implement a plan for media relations to increase ESF’s international visibility as one of the major players in the European Research Area. This position requires an outgoing, enthousiastic and diplomatic profile to work closely with journalists, scientists and senior management both internally and externally. Good press writing and interviewing skills are a pre-requisite and an existing network of science journalists a bonus.

Position Responsibilities

This position will involve:

Developing and implementing a plan/guidelines for media relations activities of ESF;
Identifying and developing proactive media stories;
Cultivating collaborative relationships with print and broad cast media;
Networking with international journalists ;
Pitching stories and securing longer lead placements in top media outlets;
Writing and editing feature articles;
Conducting podcast interviews
Working with ESF scientists and management to write, format and distribute press releases
Maintaining and further developing the Media Centre on the ESF website
Handling the prompt reply to media enquiries ;
Writing and editing all corporate material;
Liaising with the freelance network and coordinating the work.

Profile and Competences required

The successful jobholder should demonstrate the following competences:

Specific competences

Degree in communications or journalism and a minimum of 5 years experience in science journalism and communication ;
A scientific background would be an asset;
Proven experience of the media and how it works;
An established network of journalists;
Proven experience in writing science stories for a variety of media;
Ability to create quality content in a fast-paced working environment, under pressure and to deliver to tight deadlines;
Ability to recognise news value and to be proactive in taking action in promoting ESF activities;
An understanding of how corporate communication fits into the wider objectives of an organisation;
High standard of spoken and written English;
Good working knowledge of MS Office systems and of electronic databases and Web sites (Typo 3).

Inter-personal competences:
Action-orientated, responsible and autonomous, creative and willing to take initiatives, an
continuously improvement-minded;
Strong inter-personal and excellent communication skills within a multi-national context, including discretion, diplomacy and tolerance;
Good self organisational skills;
Good presentational skills;
Transparency in working and a team-orientated work ethic;
Commitment to deliver on allocated tasks and respond in a timely manner to deadlines;
Positive and constructive attitude;
Capable of demonstrating the ESF’s values: Excellence, Openness, Responsiveness, Pan-European approach, Ethical Awareness and Human Values.

Employment conditions
This full-time position is offered for an 18 months contract, preferably starting as soon as possible, with the possibility of an extension.
The place of work is Strasbourg, France and the job will involve a significant amount of travel.
The salary level will be based on experience and qualifications of the successful candidate and will follow ESF terms and conditions.

Please send your application by 02 February 2009 to jobs@esf.org quoting the following reference identifier

PRESS OFF

Interviews will be held in Strasbourg 20 February 2009.

ESF welcomes applications from disabled candidates. ESF premises are fully equiped for disabled access.

Further details at www.esf.org

Assistant Editor

2009-01-29T13:58:00.000Z

An Assistant Editor is required to join a small energetic team producing a bi-monthly international journal on renewable energy and water resources development, and organizing annual conferences.

He/she will research and prepare news, help to sub-edit technical features, occasionally report from conferences, and assist with other related aspects of journal production, including proof reading and liaising with authors.

Necessary attributes: excellent standard of English; ability to tackle technical/scientific material and make it readable; good working knowledge of the usual publishing software; confidence to inter-act with readers and contributors by phone, face-to-face as well as by email.
Useful but not essential: qualification in, or aptitude for, civil, electrical or mechanical engineering; knowledge of a second language.

Salary will depend on previous experience.

Please apply in writing, with a covering letter, CV, and examples of previous work, to: Alison Bartle, Director, Aqua-Media International Ltd, PO Box 285, Wallington, Surrey SM6 6AN.

Roy Greenslade on The Sun's Martian scoop

2009-01-26T16:19:00.001Z

Roy Greenslade, grand old person of media commentators, has his take on the recent embargo brouhaha in The Guardian, How The Sun got its 'Life on Mars' world exclusive.

Greenslade adds little that we don't know, and doesn't even seem to have a view on the saga. He just wraps up with a parting observation that "His scoop has certainly stimulated controversy among the community of science journalists, in the States and in Britain. Some of them are clearly upset about Sutherland acting like a reporter while others are wondering whether he has a point about the passivity of a news-managed journalism."

Strangely for The Guardian, which usually gets swamped with readers' observations, the piece has attracted very few comments. One is certainly in line with the 'papers readership: "While Mr Sutherland deserves some credit for sleuthing around the embargo, Mr Greenslade misses the bigger issue: the sensationalistic, misleading way the results were published by The Sun."

Ginger Pinholster replies

2009-01-26T14:02:00.003Z

Following the publication of Ted Nield's letter to her, Ginger Pinholster of EurekAlert! has asked that her reply and her subsequent letter to Chris Pharo of The Sun be published also.

To Ted Nield
(Chair, ABSW)

Good morning, Ted. I hope that this reply finds you well.

Your input is very helpful, thank you. Please be assured that I'm in the process of re-evaluating the Sun decision. As I told the writer who contacted me yesterday, we are always happy to reconsider decisions.

This morning, I e-mailed a handful of UK-based reporters not affiliated with your inquiry to request their counsel. I also copied a key EurekAlert! advisor and the heads of the NASW and the WFSJ (who are copied again here), inviting them to weigh in as well. My message to that group is below. I'm happy to share this with you in confidence, but on the condition that you refrain from re-distributing it to anyone. I was pleased that my conversation with Mr. Pharo of the Sun seemed to be a productive one this morning. I'll let you know of the final outcome shortly, after I've received some opinions via email.

I'm certainly open to the notion that I might have made a wrong call in this case. I hope that I'll never become so weary of these types of matters that I become arrogant. However, I do firmly reject your allegation of any "petty revenge" modus operandi; none of our decisions are made unilaterally, and all rely upon the input of reporter-advisors. As you might be aware, we have been attempting to the best of our abilities to respond appropriately to a troubling spate of UK-based embargo violations. So, I do think that the ABSW, as the region's professional science journalism society, could play an extremely helpful role in clarifying codes of conduct regarding embargo policies -- on both sides of the fence. I will welcome this input from the ABSW.
Kind regards, Ginger Pinholster

To Chris Pharo
(The Sun)

Dear Mr. Pharo:

Thank you for your phone call this morning. I was impressed that you seemed to be taking this matter seriously, and further that you clearly were genuinely interested in thoughtful problem-solving. As I told you today and Ms. Martina Booth yesterday, I am always happy to re-evaluate embargo-related decisions when sensibly approached in a non-threatening manner, so thanks for the kindness of your tone.

As a first note, I'd like to apologize to the heads of the NASW and the WFSJ since I have copied them on several e-mails already today, and they likely are weary of it by now. But, I'm hoping that this can be the final chapter, describing an amicable resolution.

As I told Mr. Ted Nield of the Association of British Science Writers earlier today, I would first like to emphasize that none of our embargo-related decisions are made unilaterally. I always seek input from at least one reporter-advisor before issuing a ruling, as I did in this case.

I also would like to take this opportunity to provide some broader perspective. We have been attempting to the best of our abilities to respond appropriately to a troubling spate of UK-based embargo violations. As a first step, in response to requests from key British journalists, EurekAlert! recently began a systematic audit whereby all registrants are being asked to reconfirm their current status. In addition, I sent a preemptive reminder notice to all registrants, and thus I was indeed motivated to respond swiftly and firmly to the recent episode involving the Sun.

For the record, I will provide the chronology of the recent case, from my perspective. As you know, non-registrant Mr. Paul Sutherland, being an enterprising journalist, seized upon an unmarked NASA press event invitation to prepare a teaser story related to a forthcoming, embargoed Science paper. While he was not registered with us, two other Sun reporters were in our database. Our long-standing policy, in keeping with what reporter-advisors have asked us to do, has been to revoke access for all registrants at any media outlet involved in an embargo violation. Further, upon investigation, our login records indicated that those reporters had browsed our embargoed section just prior to the appearance of Paul's story. Admittedly, this did raise my suspicions and may have further colored my decision. I would like to speedily emphasize here, however, that I have no evidence whatsoever suggesting that the two Sun registrants shared any embargoed information with Mr. Sutherland. In fact, Mr. Sutherland and one of the registrants have both stated that this absolutely was not the case. You have reaffirmed this as well, and I of course take you all at your word.

However, exacerbating matters was the fact that I did not receive any helpful response by (a) telephoning the Sun's newsroom on the night the story appeared; or by (b) emailing the two registrants to alert them to the problem and ask for their help. A night editor at the Sun seemed unconcerned, and the two Sun registrants never answered my email.

Given that we've had a prior embargo violation by the Sun, I elected to remove both registrants from access. My response had little to do with Mr. Sutherland's story -- which it's clear he developed using a source that was fair game: a NASA document that unfortunately was not marked as embargoed -- but mainly reflected the fact that the Sun's response, or lack thereof, struck me as cavalier. Also, again, I had to take into consideration the prior violation, and then put it into the perspective of all the UK-related problems we have been experiencing lately.

As a further response to the recent unpleasantness, I also of course did contact NASA to explain why routing unmarked press invitations to tabloid journalists is perhaps not in the best interests of the broader reporting community.

My understanding is that the Association of British Science Writers has now instituted an inquiry.
Reference: http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=42903&c=1

What I've told Mr. Nield is that I believe the ABSW, as the region's professional science journalism society, could play an extremely helpful role in clarifying codes of conduct regarding embargo policies -- on both sides of the fence. I will welcome this input from the ABSW. I further will enhance our existing reporter-advisory committee to include UK representation.

Meanwhile, after seeking and obtaining further counsel from additional reporter-advisors today, I am lifting the ban on the Sun and reinstating the two registrants. (Please give me a couple of hours to implement this process since my staff member who handles those tasks is out of the office.) By way of this e-mail, I officially acknowledge that Mr. Sutherland was never in violation, nor did I suggest this to anyone at any point in time; the ban was implemented, as I've explained, based on the lack of any positive response from the Sun, and in light of the prior violation.

Please note, based on the earlier violation, which was unambiguous, if there is any future embargo problem -- whether deliberate or accidental, between now and the end of 2009 -- I will again revoke Sun registrants' access to embargoed content on EurekAlert!. To be fair to all, and to provide equitable access to journalists in both developed and developing regions, including those with and without advanced technologies and other such resources, we must continue to take our embargo policies very seriously. Please be assured that I will not hesitate to enforce our embargo policies in the future.

I hope that you'll agree this is an amicable resolution.

Thank you again for your call. Kind regards, Ginger Pinholster

EurekAlert! lifts ban on The Sun

2009-01-23T21:33:00.000Z

Breaking news....EurekAlert! has reinstated the Sun newspaper's access to embargoed material. According to Paul Sutherland, the journalist behind the 'Life on Mars' story at the centre of this controversy, EurekAlert! now accept that no embargoes were broken in writing the Sun's front page story.

ABSW Chair Writes to EurekAlert! in support of freelance member Paul Sutherland

2009-01-23T18:19:00.003Z

Ted Nield, Chair of the ABSW has written today to Ginger Pinholster of the AAAS regarding EurekAlert! suspension of The Sun newspaper, for the 'Life on Mars' story written by ABSW member Paul Sutherland:

Dear Ginger,

I am writing to you in my capacity as Chair of the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) to draw to your attention the concern being expressed over here about the suspension of the UK newspaper The Sun from EurekAlert’s embargoed news service, and more particularly, about the potential damage this may do to the author of the story, Paul Sutherland, who is a freelance journalist and ABSW member.

I understand that Paul wrote his story (“Life on Mars”), which was The Sun’s splash on Thursday 15, entirely from material already in the public domain, using good journalistic nous and a nose for news. We also understand that you accept that Paul’s story was written without any embargo being broken.

If this is true, it seems to me that EurekAlert is penalising The Sun merely for having got to a story first, without the help of embargoed NASA press releases. I do not think this is in the correct spirit of the proper relations between news providers and journalists. It is inevitable that other news outlets, many of which consider themselves very important, will have been dismayed by the fact that they were scooped by Paul and The Sun; but that is surely the nature of journalism and should have no bearing upon the case.

It is my view that to ban The Sun in this way is unfairly penalising that newspaper merely for being first with the story, which is doubly unfair on their other writers, particularly in the medical field who are now put at a competitive disadvantage. Finally I think this action may in some way carry an implied slur upon the professionalism of Mr Paul Sutherland, which could arguably put his career in jeopardy.

I believe it would be greatly appreciated by all if EurekAlert could make it clear that they do not hold Mr Sutherland responsible for any embargo break.

I would also urge EurekAlert to reconsider what many here think looks like a disproportionate act of petty revenge, unworthy of AAAS and EurekAlert.

This issue has once again drawn attention to the balance of power between news providers and journalists. At a recent meeting of the ASBW (AGM, Tuesday 20), we resolved to convene a working party to consider this whole area and to bring forward a draft report and recommendations for discussion at the World Conference of Science Journalism in London this year (30 June – 2 July http://www.wcsj2009.org/).

Ted Nield, Chair, ABSW

Look out for expert-generated information

2009-01-21T23:11:00.001Z

This one could be a double edged sword. SciTopics describes itself as "Distilled, authoritative and up-to-date information for researchers on scientific, technical and medical topics." Folks like members of the ABSW might see it as a substitute for science writing .

The press release from Elsevier, a part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, owners of such fine publications as New Scientist, until it can find someone to take it off their hands, says that the new service is "Designed as a perfect starting point for scientific research, the website integrates a content publishing platform with search functionalities and community features."

Taking a positive view, this could be invaluable for science writers seeking a crash course in a subject that they suddenly have to write about. "The site creates a starting point for researchers to gain an introductory overview of a particular scientific topic and serves as a collaboration resource where users can share their views and engage in discussions with other SciTopics members."

SciTopics has a couple of dozen RSS feeds. The "grab the lot" feed that might be worth sampling to begin with.

The feeds cover many areas that will mean a lot to science writers plus a few for less familiar subjects, such as nursing, "decision sciences" and arts and humanities.

It seems that Elsevier decided to put this release out now because this is really a rebranding Scirus Topic Pages. Scirus, "the most comprehensive scientific research tool on the web," powers the search facility behind SciTopics. This explains why the newest story in the "Most popular SciTopics pages" appeared last November. The oldest dates back to February 2008.

The RSS feed has article that are much more recent. The newest item we saw, "Scientific support to the establishment and validation of agrometeorological services" is just a day or two old.

You can even leave comments on the articles. But only after you have signed up. The handful of items I looked at were comment free.

The editors, billed on the front page, are all working scientists. Many of the authors come with the "Prof" label. Each item comes with a set of "Web search results" related to the article in question.

So you want to be a science broadcaster?

2009-01-20T10:53:00.001Z

Many youngsters who have studied science hanker after a career in the media. Several courses have sprung up to satisfy this desire. But they cost.

The Wellcome Trust, which used to fund the ABSW's own scheme of student bursaries, has stepped into the breach with new Science Media Studentships.

In this case, the support will go to "practising biomedical scientists". They will have the opportunity to study for a postgraduate qualification in Science Media Production at Imperial College London and to follow this with a six-month placement working in the broadcast industry.

Recruitment: Press & PR Officer (Science)

2009-01-19T14:45:00.002Z

THE INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH
(University of London)

Chelsea, London

The Institute of Cancer Research is seeking a dynamic self starter with a passion for science to join our team at Europe’s leading cancer research centre. You will have experience in journalism or public relations with a proven track record in writing medical and/or science stories or press releases. The successful candidate will have excellent science and medical contacts in national UK media. You will work as part of a team to lead on generating national and international media coverage of The Institute’s world leading research.

The Institute is a College of the University of London and is a world-class cancer research organisation with HEFCE RAE ratings of international excellence across all of its research programmes.

Salary will be in the range £25,937 to £31,231 p.a. inclusive, based on skills and previous experience. This full time, permanent post also benefits from a generous annual leave entitlement and a final salary pension scheme.

To apply, please send two copies of your CV and covering letter (including the names and addresses of two referees) together with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to the HR Office, The Institute of Cancer Research, 123 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RP quoting job Ref. A247.

Closing date: 3rd February 2009

Media fellows report back

2009-01-16T19:22:00.001Z

The British Science Association, formerly the "BA," has reports from last year's wave of media fellows on its web site. The 10 fellows worked all over the media, radio, TV, newspapers and magazines. They have all filed accounts of their gruelling times.

Emma Byrne spent some time on The Financial Times, working with Clive Cookson. Emma's account shows that the scheme is good at waking scientists up to the facts of media life. She writes in her account:

"During my placement I saw a few examples of communication between the media and scientists breaking down. Most of the time this was due to the scientists not understanding the constraints under which the media operate and expecting the nuances and complexities of their work to be conveyed in a 300 word newspaper article or 30 second radio slot. This would have been exactly the type of mistake I would have made before the placement."

So that's one scientist gone back to the lab with a better view of how we work. Let's hope the message gets back to her colleagues.

Applications are now open for this year's fellowships. There are full details on the BSA's shiny new web site.

Royal Society awards for engaging the public with science

2009-01-15T19:42:00.001Z

The closing date for nominations for the Royal Society Kohn Award for Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science and the Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize is 23 February 2009.

The Cohn award is for "UK-based early-career scientists or science communicators who have undertaken high-quality public engagement activities which has had (or will have) a strategic impact on institutions, organisations and cultures, and whose career and future public engagement activities will benefit from the award".

The Faraday gong, "the UK's premier award for science communication," goes to "the scientist or engineer whose expertise in communicating scientific ideas in lay terms is exemplary".

ABSW members might qualify for the first award. (Has a professional communicator, as opposed to a "slumming boffin," ever taken home the bacon?) They may also know someone they would like to nominate for their spot in this year's Faraday cage.

Start here for links to pages with full details of these and all the other awards that the Royal Society hands out.

Recruitment: SCIENCE COMMUNICATOR for the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme

2009-01-08T13:26:00.002Z

Applications are invited for the position of Director of Communications for the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP). IGBP is an international research programme that provides scientific knowledge about the Earth System in response to the challenges of global sustainability (www.igbp.kva.se/). Its 9-person Secretariat is hosted by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.

The Communications Director will direct the communications efforts of IGBP, including internal communications amongst IGBP projects and project scientists, and outward communications with the wider science community, the education sector, policy makers, the media and the public. A key function of the Communications Director is to assist IGBP in generating and communicating impartial, policy-relevant science, through a wide range of products and processes (e.g., Global Change Newsletter, email bulletin, website, annual report, press releases). See http://www.igbp.net/page.php?pid=451 for position announcement and the IGBP Science Communication Strategy. The Communications Director will oversee a small communications team.

The successful candidate will have:

excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, and experience in science communications or science journalism;
experience in effectively translating the results of scientific research into forms appropriate for a range of different audiences including policy makers, educators, the media and the general public;
experience leading and working within a team, and coordinating a portfolio of communication activities;
ability to initiate and manage a large and complex workload to tight deadlines and be responsible for communications outcomes;
demonstrated experience in planning and implementing media campaigns;
experience writing for the web and with web content management systems;
highly developed interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
supervisory experience
willingness to undertake occasional international travel.

Desirable skills:

experience refining and guiding the implementation of a long-term science communication strategy for a large and diverse international scientific network;
have an understanding of, and interest in, global environmental change issues;
some science background and an appreciation of the scientific process, and the interface between natural and social sciences;
non-profit fundraising experience.

The Director of Communications will be appointed initially for a 3-year period, will be an employee of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and will report to the IGBP Executive Director. The salary will be based on the salary structure of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (roughly equivalent to Swedish academic salary structure) and will consider the qualifications and experience of the candidate. To apply send: CV, a supporting statement of no more than 500 words, names and contact information for 3 references, and 3 examples of work that reflect your communication ability, to Charlotte Boss-Wilson at Admin@IGBP.kva.se. Review of applications will begin on 30 January 2009.

WFSJ fights CNN cuts in science writing

2008-12-22T19:26:00.000Z

The World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) has posted a letter on its web site complaining about "CNN's shortsighted decision to cut its science, technology and environment unit in one fell swoop".

The letter, Science Journalists mobilized to fight CNN decision, is addressed to CNN. Pallab Ghosh, BBC science correspondent and past chairman of the ABSW, signed the letter on behalf of the WFSJ. Other signatories are from the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, the US National Association of the Science Writers and the Society of Environmental Journalists.

They say that "It is difficult for us to imagine why CNN, which has earned a justifiably strong reputation for its science journalism in the past, has opted to widen the gap in science coverage rather than strive to fill it." They hold up CNN's action as "an unfortunate symbol of recent widespread cutbacks in specialty science journalism".

"In wielding this ax," the letter says, "your network has lost an experienced and highly regarded group of science journalists at a time when science coverage could not be more important in our national and international discourse." The "the wholesale dismantling of the science unit," decision, they add, " calls into question CNN's commitment to bringing the most informative science news to the general public, including the science-minded younger audience".

The WFSJ's blog item also has several links to other web coverage of the decision.

Recrutiment: Publications Editor and Scientific Writer

2008-12-19T11:20:00.003Z

The Institute of Cancer Research

Academic Services
Chelsea, London

The Institute of Cancer Research (a College of the University of London) is a world-class cancer research organisation with HEFCE Research Assessment Exercise ratings of international excellence across all of its research programmes. In partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, we form the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe, dedicated to research that extends from epidemiology, genetics and molecular biology, through drug discovery and development, to cancer diagnosis and patient treatment.

The Publications Editor and Scientific Writer will be responsible for the preparation and editing of content for The Institute’s scientific print and online publications. These include The Institute’s Annual Review, Annual Research Report, Postgraduate Prospectus and website. The post-holder will also write and edit content for interactive educational materials aimed at scientists, healthcare professionals and the general public.

You will be a motivated science graduate with experience in science or medical communication, or journalism. In this role, your excellent written and verbal communication will help disseminate the research, clinical and educational activities of The Institute. You will be:

Experienced - with proven skills in researching, writing and editing scientific content and an ability to adapt your writing styles for different media and audiences
Confident - your excellent communication and negotiation skills will enable you to develop innovative ideas for content, meet with key scientists and clinicians, and help make the science at the forefront of cancer research readily accessible to all
Organised – you will be able to organise, prioritise and work under pressure to meet key deadlines
Creative - you will have a flair for content design and presentation and a keen eye for detail

The starting salary will be in the range £25,937 to £28,478 p.a. dependant upon skills and experience. This post also benefits from a contributory “final salary” pension scheme and generous leave entitlement.

Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Ms. Natalie Hutton via email at Natalie.Hutton@icr.ac.uk. Please DO NOT send your application to Ms. Hutton; CVs, together with the names and addresses of two referees, must be submitted in line with the instructions below.

For further particulars and details of how to apply, please visit our website at: www.icr.ac.uk. Alternatively you may call our 24 hour recruitment line on 020 7153 5475 quoting reference number C197.

Closing date: 7 January 2009

Interviews to be held: 14 January 2009

Medical Writer wanted!

2008-12-18T11:51:00.000Z

Medical Writer (Ref 969)

International Biomaterials Company (Bone repair)
World leader in its market

Our client, formed in 2001, is an orthobiologics company and a world leader in synthetic bone graft technologies. Their mission is to provide surgeons with superior, proprietary, bone graft solutions, helping them to improve clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.

The HQ and manufacturing facility are based in Greater London, England, with the U.S. operations located on the East Coast. Products are being used in Europe, the United States and Australasia for spinal fusions, bone tumor void filling, fractures and joint revision.

On behalf of our client we are now looking for a Medical Writer to be located either in London, UK, or Boston, USA.

Your mission: You who will be required to research and write copy across a broad range of healthcare related written communications (medical, scientific and technical), meeting the needs of relevant customers (internal and external) and working effectively with colleagues and suppliers.

You main responsibilities will include implementing briefs in a constructive and creative manner, setting and meeting high editorial standards and produce relevant, high quality accurate and informative material. You will undertake necessary research and ensure that all materials comply with the relevant legal rules, and internal and external codes of practice.

Where appropriate you will be participating in project teams, providing ad-hoc support to VP Marketing OUS and VP Research and Development. You will be required to keep up to date with matters related to the medical devices industry.

Your profile: We are looking for an effective and confident communicator with a high standard of written English. You will have a life science degree or background and a medical or journalism qualification and ideally project management experience. You are a committed and self-motivated professional with a pharmaceutical background, and experience in the medical devices industry (orthopaedics). You are an ambitious team player who has experience working with KOLs, surgeons and scientific or technical researchers. You pay attention to detail and are computer literate. You must work well in a team and have good time management skills.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a fast growing company that can lead the orthopeadic sector.

For a confidential, more detailed information exchange, candidates should email their CV with full contact details to Helen Detraz
at helen@thorburngeiger.com quoting Ref: 969

Science Reporting by Press Release

2008-12-16T11:18:00.001Z

Cristine Russell, one of the more capable science journalist on either side of the pond, she used to be on the staff of the Washington Post, has an interesting take on the use of press releases in the trade. She has written about this in Science Reporting by Press Release in the Columbia Journalism Review. Cris describes "the degree to which some reporters rely on press releases and public relations offices as sources for stories" as a " dirty little secret of journalism".

Cris's article has details of various examples of the phenomenon. For example, she describes a discussion panel at the National Association of Science Writers where a topic of conversation was a press release, “Living fossils have hot sex,” from the University of Utah. This was picked up by, among others, Reuters, New Scientist and ABC (Australia). The irony, perhaps, is that the author of the release, Lee J. Siegel, has, as Cris puts it, had a "a long science journalism career with The Associated Press and Salt Lake Tribune" before he went to work for the university.

Like any good hack, Cris actually interviewed Lee about the phenomenon. He too expressed concern, complaining that “some news services just rewrite the press releases without interviewing anyone and don’t make clear the story is from a news release”.

The item provoked a thoughtful debate with comments from a number of equally eminent science journalists. One comment that struck home was the puzzlement in one comment about the failure of big media outlets to "link their own stories to the various press releases that their reporters had at hand". After all, it doesn't take much more than a few seconds with Google News to track down such references. Cris does not make this mistake. Her article provides a link to the original Utah press release.

Unfortunately, the excellent discussion does not seem to include any comments from perpetrators of this crime against humanity. Lee does step in to provide some balance, but it would have been nice to see more defence of use of press releases. Surely someone must have a good word to say for them.

Pharmaceutical Researcher/Pharmaceutical Analyst

2008-12-04T12:00:00.001Z

Location: Offices in Berks, M4 Corridor, but position will require some home based working. Some international travel essential.
Salary: Competitive package

The Company:

Our client is a small but highly successful pharmaceutical business research agency that has built a solid reputation through hard work and dedication. Efficiently serving companies on both sides of the Atlantic and across Europe, they strive to be a consistently creative and proactive organisation. Indeed, it’s this philosophy that’s enabled them to become a UK leader in their industry. Proudly independent and dynamic, they’re now seeking to grow their global research capabilities through expansion in the areas of languages, methodologies and skills.

The Role:

Your contribution will be crucial to the success of our client’s portfolio of customers, as you will actively develop a strong knowledge and understanding of their competitors. This will be achieved via research: primarily online and by telephone. Here, you will deploy outstanding communication skills, as you’ll be interviewing a broad spectrum of people across the world. You will also bring creative flair and innovation to your research, together with a highly organised and tenacious approach. Professional and systematic in your work, you must consistently meet strict deadlines.

What we’re looking for:

The importance of this role means you will have a proven track record in a pharmaceutical, clinical or medical role and ideally have worked in the areas of nephrology, cardiovascular, diabetes, oncology or respiratory. This will be coupled with first-class interviewing and relationship-building abilities and, preferably, previous competitor monitoring experience. Possessing at least one other language, preferably German, French, Spanish and/or Russian, you must also be able to manage several projects simultaneously and know how to handle sensitive information.

To apply: Please send your full CV and convincing covering letter to hiring@terrafirmaassociates.com

ESOF 2012 goes to Dublin

2008-11-26T18:16:00.004Z

It couldn't happen to a nicer place. From 12–16 July 2012, Dublin will host the 2012 City of Science meeting, which also seems to be known as ESOF2012, the 5th Euroscience Open Forum.

The press release on AlphaGalileo announcing ESOF2012 quotes Dr Gail Cardew, Chair of the ESOF Supervisory Board and Vice President of Euroscience, as saying:

"We were particularly impressed with Dublin's clear vision on opening the event out to the world and the lengths the Dublin Bid Committee went to bring international partners, including industry, on board. The emphasis on maximising the latest communication technologies, allied to the availability of excellent infrastructure for an event of this magnitude was compelling."

It may be a cliché, but it is true all the same, Dublin really is as hospitable a place as legend has it. With any luck, the city may have done something about the dreadful traffic by the time all those science writers and scientists descend on the place.

Those of us in the UK may read the details of the city's case for winning the event and find it brave of Dublin to plan to hold the meeting in a venue that is not due to be finished until 2010. But other countries are a bit better at completing such things on time.

ABSW December briefing The Comedy Research Project

2008-11-26T15:07:00.003Z

The Top Five Best Things In Science – Ever!

Monday 15th December 2008

The Comedy Research Project
Timandra Harkness and Helen Pilcher

Helen Pilcher has a PhD in Molecular Neurobiology, but you wouldn’t guess that from this show. She and Timandra both performed solo stand up comedy before a chance meeting at the Royal Society resulted in the Comedy Research Project, which aims to prove the hypothesis that science can be funny.

Helen also writes for Nature and other serious publications. Timandra also performs improvised comedy, writes films and is currently developing a science gameshow.

www.comedyresearchproject.com

Cost
ABSW full/associate £5
Students £2
£10 non members. (Join on the night for £5 discount.)

Venue
The Geological Society of London, Piccadilly
(entrance opposite Fortnum & Mason)
Time: 1800 for 1830
Please note time! Latecomers sometimes cannot be admitted owing to lack of after-hours staff!

Ends c. 20.00 for adjournment in direction of a public house.

Booking
To reserve a place, e-mail ted.nield"at"geolsoc.org.uk now
Places will be held pending receipt of the requisite fee either by cheque or paypal.

Cheques payable to "ABSW" to:
Ted Nield at
The Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, LONDON W1J 0BG
or paypal to absw"at"absw.org.uk
(Please write in the message what it is you're paying for, and email Ted when the deed is done.)

DIY book takes off

2008-11-21T10:54:00.001Z

Ed Yong, ABSW member, freelance writer and information officer at Cancer Research UK, has done his own thing in publishing a book based on his blog Not Exactly Rocket Science.

Ed says that Not Exactly Rocket Science - the BOOK!!!! "covers a wide range of biological areas – Mexican-waving bees, snow-making bacteria, viruses of viruses, the psychology of voting, the neuroscience of jazz, binge-drinking shrews, the evolution of language, super-sharks, climate-changing beetles and more".

Ed decided to publish the book himself, using Lulu, which was, he says, "ridiculously easy". He is also honest about his reasons: "I'd written all these pieces for my blog and it felt like a straightforward thing to do to compile them into a printed version that would hopefully reach a wider audience of "people wot don't read blogs". Some extra returns for minimal extra effort."

Ed says that Lulu appealed because it "doesn't charge upfront fees so there's no financial risk". He warns that "have to do all the bits yourself (design cover, write blurb, typeset, proofread, compile index, etc.etc.)". Then you just upload the thing.

"The faffy stuff," as Ed puts it, "took longer than I expected but the writing had all been done already. And it was fun."

"Not Exactly Rocket Science" costs a mere £9.99 from Lulu. At least one ABSW member welcomed the book as a chance to ease their shopping for Christmas presents.

Now we just have to see if anyone is willing to review self-published books. Then again, self publishing does mean that the author has to stump up the cost of review copies.

New Job!

2008-11-19T11:59:00.000Z

European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton/Cambridge, UK:

Web Content Developer (full-time)

The EMBL-EBI's Outreach and Training Team is looking for a web content developer. The primary duties are to:

Write and edit information for the EBI's high-level web pages, including http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Information and the EBI's training and helpdesk pages with the aim of making the EBI website more accessible to a wide range of users.
Create video-based tutorial and help-desk materials, and support others at the EBI who need to produce these materials. This may involve either storyboarding and working with external contractors or the complete production process, depending on previous experience.
Investigate ways to exploit electronic technologies, such as podcasting and social networking, to deliver timely and relevant information to EBI users.
Contribute to the team's other outreach and training activities, both at the EBI and around the world. This will involve some international travel to conferences and consortium meetings.

This post requires at least a degree in the molecular life sciences, most probably followed by a PhD or other relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have at least two years’ experience in a multimedia publishing environment and will have excellent writing and editing skills. (S)he will be capable of communicating complex scientific ideas to different target audiences, ranging from scientists to the general public. The Web Content Developer will be skilled at liaising with design and production teams both within and outside the EBI to achieve the desired end product. A good knowledge of MS Office, email and internet applications is required. HTML editing, design skills and familiarity with graphics and web design packages such as Adobe Creative Suite are highly desirable. The ability to work to deadlines and exploit the creativity of design and production teams whilst ensuring that they keep to their brief is essential.

An initial contract of 3 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of review. EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV (in English) and contact information of three professional references quoting ref. no. ABSW/08/081/EBI in the subject line, to: applications@ebi.ac.uk.

For further information please visit http://www.embl.org/ and http://www.ebi.ac.uk/

EICOS time again

2008-10-31T19:23:00.000Z

AlphaGalileo has the details of the EICOS Fellowships 2009.

"EICOS, the ‘European Initiative for Communicators of Science’, again invites journalists into its ‘Hands-on Laboratory’ and to the ‘Extended Laboratory Assignments’.

"The programme is aimed at journalists with a wide range of backgrounds and interests who wish to gather first-hand experience of techniques of molecular biology, to discuss their wider implications for the society with researchers, to gain contacts for future stories, and to meet colleagues from different media and different countries."

Women scientists for interview

2008-10-20T15:22:00.002+01:00

The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science Engineering and Technology has produced a list of women scientists who are eager and willing to give media interviews.

The UKRC is promoting the list in the hope that journalists will be enabled thereby to find female commentators on science issues rather than going to the usual hoary old greybeards.

The UKRC list has been modified (following consultation with ABSW) to include useful information about the areas of expertise of the spokespersons in question. This was more than slightly important for them, as well as for us, since the whole idea is apparently to have women scientists commenting on a broad spectrum of scientific issues, not just "women in science".

You can access the list here.

http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/downloads/Extranet/PRandComms/Media_Trained_Women_for_ABSW_2008_10_20.xls

Any questions - please contact Erica Williams, Web and info coordinator, at UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Listerhills Park of Science and Commerce 40 - 42 Campus Road Bradford BD7 1HR Tel: 01274 433113 Fax: 01274 436471

Ted Nield

European Journalists’ Prize 2008 announced

2008-10-14T22:27:00.000+01:00

The Bayer Press Server has opened the doors for the 2008 European Journalists’ Prize, organised with the Association of German Medical Journalists (VDMJ) and Bayer HealthCare to "honor good medical reporting" the awards is "endowed with EUR 7,500".

Entries in by 31 January 2009. Good luck!

Starring Science

2008-10-14T13:15:00.001+01:00

The VWN-EUSJA trip to Netherlands astronomy centres
Sunday 28 September - Thursday 2

Oct 2008 The Dutch Association of Science Journalists (VWN) hosted this five-day trip, which in retrospect seems to have occupied a month. There were about 30 participants from countries of Western and Eastern Europe; Stuart Clark and I represented Britain.

All the foreign visitors were accommodated in a pleasant canalside hotel in Leiden, a city so Dutch that they have multi-storey cycle racks in the city centre. Participants didn't have to pay a euro during the whole trip, apart from the costs of getting to and from Leiden - and our Eastern European colleagues had half of those paid...

Read the full account of this trip, by Chris Cooper, on http://thesciencereporter.blogspot.com/

Science communication brought to book

2008-10-10T14:55:00.002+01:00

Science journalists and science writers – there is a difference – may be dismayed by the growing trend to "academicise" their humble trades. If you are among the perturbed then you should probably avoid reading Investigating Science Communication in the Information Age – Implications for public engagement and popular media or Practising Science Communication in the Information Age – Theorising Professional Practices.

Both catchily titled books are from Oxford University Press and, at £19.99 each for paperbacks, slightly less through Amazon, will hardly break the bank.

Richard Holliman, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication in the Science Faculty at The Open University, says that the books "support the teaching of an Open University postgraduate distance learning course" Communicating science in the information age.

The books include contributions from ABSW members, with chapters on "Science communication in fiction" by Jon Turney and Martin Redfern on "Speaking to the world: Radio and other audio".

October ABSW Briefing

2008-10-09T08:21:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 21 October 2008

See my blog

Natasha Loder (The Economist) and Charles Arthur (The Guardian) discuss the interaction between mainstream journalism and a reporter's personal Blog.

Cost: Students £2; ABSW full/associate £5. £10 non members. (Join on night for £5 discount.)

Venue: The Geological Society of London, Piccadilly - entrance opposite Fortnum & Mason
Time: 1800 for 1830 Please note time! Latecomers sometimes cannot be admitted owing to lack of after-hours staff!

Ends c. 1930 for adjournment in direction of a public house

Booking:

To reserve a place (these are limited to 25, of which 4 have gone already) email ted.nield@geolsoc.org.uk now. Places will be held pending receipt of the requisite fee either by cheque or paypal.

Cheques payable to "ABSW" to: Ted Nield at The Geological Society, Burlington House, Puccadilly, LONDON W1J 0BG, or paypal to absw"at"absw.org.uk.

Please write in the message what it is you're paying for, and email Ted when the deed is done.

Feed frenzy at the World Federation

2008-10-07T21:23:00.002+01:00

The World Federation of Science Journalists has found time to rework its web site. "This third iteration of our website is designed to give you a better insight at the world of science journalism, and we mean the whole world!"

A part of the redesign is a set of new RSS Feed. As well as a news stream, which everyone should feed as much as possible, there is a new WFSJ blog.

They aren't the easiest feeds to plug into your reader – we had to enter them manually into Google Reader – but you can't have everything. Some of the best organisations also seem to have a hard time with this technology.

Templeton time comes around again

2008-09-29T16:25:00.000+01:00

Applications open on 1 October for the 2009 Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowships in Science and Religion. The deadline is 15 December 2008.

They may be controversial, but, as the scheme's web site shows, some seriously good science writers have been happy to accept a fellowship. After all, the announcement does say that applicants "must demonstrate an interest in the field, originality of thought displayed in previous writings and a superior record of journalistic achievement".

Who can apply? "The fellowships are designed primarily for mid-career and senior journalists, though early career journalists will be considered."

The small print tells us that "Fellows will receive a $15,000 stipend for the two months of the fellowship, together with a book allowance and travel and accommodation expenses in connection with attendance at the two residential seminars to be held at the University of Cambridge, UK."

The ABSW party, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool 8 Sept 2008

2008-09-26T15:20:00.013+01:00

Appointment: Editor

2008-09-26T11:16:00.003+01:00

Chemistry World

Cambridge
£45,236 - £50,263 p.a.

Chemistry World is the business-to-business magazine for the chemical sciences. Its 65,000 readers include the members of the Royal Society of Chemistry, business executives and leading
scientists around the world, including China, who read its new and highly-successful sister edition, Chemistry World China. Globally, our readers look to the magazine for a unique international perspective on current developments in a fast-changing environment.

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on editor, tasked with further expanding the magazine in print, online and digitally. We want you to share your vision of how best to develop all the magazine’s editions and fully expand the brand in order to engage readers and advertisers.

A successful track record in science publishing along with a chemical science background is essential. You will also need experience of team leadership (with proven experience as a deputy editor or section head), as well as involvement in business management.

We offer a competitive salary together with an attractive benefits package, including 26 days holiday, contributory pension scheme, free life assurance, private healthcare provision and, where appropriate, relocation allowance.

For further information about the RSC, this post and how to apply, please visit www.rsc.org/AboutUs/rscwork/Currentvacancies.asp quoting reference number 08-40.

Closing date: 16 October 2008.

Agencies need not apply.
We welcome applications from all sectors of the community and value diversity.

The LHC, one week later

2008-09-19T18:13:00.000+01:00

Andrew Marr may have packed his bags and moved on to greater things, but some journalists are still watching developments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Over on physicsworld.com they report that the big bang soon fizzled out.

Friday was a bit of a bummer. "A transformer weighing some 30 tonnes developed a short circuit, forcing the team to replace it."

Will anybody bother to show up when the LHC really does start to create the collisions that some headline writers thought might blow up the Universe?

Vacancy Announcement

2008-09-16T12:33:00.000+01:00

ATPS Senior Communications Officer

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a leading regional network of African scholars and policymakers engaged in research, capacity building and policy advocacy on issues of science and technology for Africa's sustainable development. Its mission is to improve the quality of science and technology policies to eradicate poverty. Working primarily through National Chapters in at least 23 African countries, ATPS supports research, training and related activities on topical and emerging science and technology policy on biotechnology, information and communication technologies, technology transfer, science policy, among others. For more details about ATPS, please visit our website at www.atpsnet.org.

ATPS is seeking to recruit a dynamic individual to fill the position of Senior Communications Officer to be based at its secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya. Reporting to the Executive Director, he/she will be responsible for providing leadership to the ATPS Communications and Knowledge Management activities. In liaison with the ATPS Research and Training Team, ensure that outputs form ATPS thematic and non-thematic activities are published in relevant media, and effectively communicated to relevant stakeholders. The post holder will also be responsible for developing and managing the ATPS web-based Knowledge for Development and outreach program to bridge the gaps between science, technology and innovation research, policy and practice in Africa.

Major responsibilities will include:

Manage the ATPS science communication and knowledge management strategy, including the web-based platforms, regional workshops, and other outreach and advocacy events.
Support the overall ATPS Network’s strategy to bridge the gaps between science and technology and innovation research, policy and practice for African development.
In liaison with the ATPS Research, Training and Communications Leader, assist ATPS national chapters and researchers to translate relevant ATPS research outputs into various publications including articles in international journals, ATPS publication series, popular articles, book volumes, and publications in the fourth estate.
Co-ordinate the ATPS public relations activities, including publication of in-house newsletters twice a year, news articles, bibliographies, brochures, program promotions, media outreach, etc.
Assist with finding funding sources and fundraising activities of the ATPS Secretariat and Regional chapters.
Assist the ATPS Research, Training and Communications team to organize peer review of ATPS
Research outputs for publication in ATPS publication series: ATPS Research Paper Series, Working Paper Series, and Technology Policy Brief Series.
Manage the regular updating of the ATPS website and the ATPS Knowledge for development platform.
In collaboration with the Communications Team, organize and support media and public awareness and campaigns and special events such as the Scientific Revival Day of Africa.
Profile stakeholders and target group information and knowledge needs to determine appropriate knowledge sharing and dissemination tools.
Manage the ATPS public awareness and press/media strategy.
Qualifications, skills and abilities

A doctorate degree ST&I related fields or equivalent experience with formal training in science journalism or communication.
At least 3 years experience in a science communication environment with progressive responsibilities, including international experience. Candidate will be required to provide sample publications in different media.
Demonstrated ability to use new technologies for communication and outreach, including web and mltimedia tools, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), etc.
Demonstrated capacity and ability to fundraise and manage knowledge networks
Proficiency in French will be a major advantage
Good analytical skills
Good interpersonal skills and good team player.
Ability to work as part of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrate ability to deliver on deadlines
The vacancy is expected to be filled by 30 October 2008. A comparative international salary and benefits ill be offered to the successful applicant. The initial contract period will be for 3 years.
Qualified candidates should send a detailed letter of interest and curriculum vitae to hr@atpsnet.org , no later than 30th September 2008.

Creationism – a media plot

2008-09-12T23:05:00.003+01:00

Contrary to most of the newspaper coverage, Professor Michael Reiss, Director of Education at the Royal Society, does not believe that schools should teach creationism in science classes. The assembled hack pack must be wrong because the Royal Society says so. It has gone as far as to issue a press release pointing out their devious tricks "No change in Society position on creationism".

"Some media reports have misrepresented the views of Professor Michael Reiss," it tells us. That so many hacks got it wrong is a bit of a puzzle.

Maybe it is the language that the good professor used. "I have referred to science teachers discussing creationism as a worldview'; this is not the same as lending it any scientific credibility."

Just what he means by a "worldview" is not clear. Isn't evolution, or the whole of science, a worldview?

Maybe the RS doesn't mean the newspapers that unleashed the story. Over in the Financial Times, Clive Cookson quoted Reiss as saying "“Most scientists and science educators believe science teachers should not discuss creationism in science lessons – I disagree.”

Nothing there to suggest teaching creationism as science. Talking about creationism is a far cry from teaching it.

Maybe the RS meant The Times, which wrote "Creationism should be taught in science classes as a legitimate point of view, according to the Royal Society, putting the august science body on a collision course with the Government."

The Independent went so far as to editorialise on the story, writing "Sir Michael Reiss, the director of education at the Royal Society, voiced concerns that up to a tenth of children in Britain hold 'creationist' beliefs in the origins of the world". Again, nothing to suggest that he wants creationism to have equal time with evolution.

Perhaps the RS should be a bit more specific in its denials, naming names and saying just which of the many interpretations of Reuss's comments caused it to get so hot under its stuffy collar.

Anyone wanting more depth on the prof's views should turn to the Guardian's Science Blog. Here he writes "Just because something lacks scientific support doesn't seem to me a sufficient reason to omit it from a science lesson." Not quite the same as teaching it as science, but all too easily misinterpreted.

Non scientist to edit American Scientist

2008-09-12T11:18:00.001+01:00

The magazine American Scientist is one of those hidden gems of science publishing. It quietly gets on with its job while flashier players grab all the limelight. The magazine, published by Sigma Xi, "the international honor society of research scientists and engineers," now has a new editor, David Schoonmaker.

For some reason, in the press release about his appointment, he admits that he is "not a scientist". He has been managing editor of the magazine – the UK uses the same label to describe a different role – for 15 years, so must have soaked up something of the area. And as he says himself, "I have a deep and abiding love for and interest in science. Growing up with a geologist father, I could tell a syncline from an anticline by age six." That's more than you can say for many a scientist turned science writer.

Situation normal in Geneva-super-mare

2008-09-09T08:45:00.002+01:00

This year the BA Media Centre is housed in a dismal warren of down-at-heel buildings apparently belonging to the Department of Architecture. It is not, frankly, much of an advertisement. It is a hideous hodgepodge of Georgianesque brick townhouse, 1930s bunker and 1980s glass, a maze of doglegged passages designed to make anyone feel like an experimental rat.

The rats this year are a little depleted, since many science journalists have scurried off (or will shortly scurry off) to Geneva to witness on Wednesday the “turning on” of what one hapless subeditor has already mis-called the “Large Hardon Collider”. For this monument to the political influence gained by physics since their useful service during and after the last World War, is currently being readied for a completely phoney launch event.

For on Wednesday the boffins at CERN will turn the machine on. Well, they will run a beam in it. They have done this before. Of course they have. They tested it, they didn’t smell burning and now they are ready to do it “for real” with an audience. But they will not be circulating two beams. No atoms will be smashed, and no bosons will be observed. Nor will a black hole that will eat up the Earth from the inside be created.

Even the lunatic opposition smacks of egregious PR fraud because the injunction, apparently sought by a maverick scientist fearing the end of the world to be nigh, played into the physics lobby’s hands. For no sooner was it out, than our good friends at the Institute of Physics put out a calming statement, designed to induce mass panic the world over. They said they had looked at the LHC very carefully, and come to the conclusion that it was safe and absolutely nothing to worry about. Oh Gawd help us everyone run for the hills. (But not the ones near Geneva.)

Still, here at the BA things are working as usual. The media, as always, have no time at all to stray outside the media centre. The BA Press Office is arranging press conferences to promote those stories they have chosen as being the most interesting from evidence supplied by those speakers who have prepared press papers. This is how the system works. This is how it has always worked and yes, this is the same rant I write every year.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the scientists who are supposed to supply the press papers. Many events boast releases that are not online (so therefore of restricted availability) - and which are frankly not much use anyway. This is probably because they were submitted late. But this is nothing.

Today the Festival programme boasts several sessions with almost zero accompanying press papers. This includes one, organised by the great Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory no less - only one of whose authors has submitted a press paper that I can find (Dr Lesley Rickards).

True, not all BA events stand a chance of media coverage and many are designed without any thought for it. Great swathes of the programme are, after all, peopled by robot dog-walkers and chemical volcanoes. Fair enough. But for those with some aspiration to attracting a wider audience, to organise a whole event without any attention to media releases is time and effort wasted and a ship spoiled for a ha’p’orth of tar. When will the message get through that the BA is not mainly about 50 people in a lecture theatre. It’s about the 500,000 people who at least might read the papers, and the millions who instead might be watching the telly. If a provider does not write a press paper, he or she stands absolutely no chance at all of getting a slice of that action. Not one bit.

So here, in Liverpool and Geneva, we are witnessing the two ends of the science PR leviathan, devouring itself before our eyes. On the one hand we have an orchestrated scientific PR non-event in Geneva, which will demand the attention of the global public during the middle part of this week. While here at the BA we have some great British science being explained to small numbers of the converted, in darkened lecture theatres, firmly hidden under a bushel of its own making.

Situation normal, then!

Food to go with the drink at the BA

2008-09-05T14:33:00.000+01:00

The annual BA "festival of science" is always a good excuse for science journalists to eat and drink. On the food front, the Food Standards Agency is joining the fun as one of the many organisations rushing to Liverpool to put on a show.

The announcement of the event, Countdown to science festival, tell us that "tickets are being snapped up for the chance to find out all you ever wanted to know about food, as the Agency takes part in the festival for the first time".

Can't make the trip? Never fear "we are webcasting the event. A click of a mouse gives you a chance to hear the talk as it happens, join in the interactive debates and quizzes and get your questions answered."

Naked Scientist has winning ways with podcast

2008-09-03T16:21:00.001+01:00

Anyone who wants to do some homework before attending the ABSW's briefing on podcasts on 17 September might like to do some home work to see what it takes to create an award winning podcast. Check out the Naked Scientists.

Dr Chris Smith, Clinical Lecturer and Specialist Registrar in virology at the University of Cambridge, and, in his spare time, podcaster extraordinaire, has just won the "prestigious," they tell us, Royal Society Kohn award "for his work engaging a diverse audience with science".

The press note on the award, Naked Scientist wins Royal Society award for science communication, tells us that "In recognising that there was a gap in the market for a science programme that would reach a non-scientific audience, Dr Smith pioneered the Naked Scientists radio show while still a graduate student. He now successfully manages to juggle his busy career working as a doctor and researcher with his science communication activities."

It seems that success is not always welcome, by the techies at least. "I blew up a couple of web-servers and was even ejected by a number of web-hosting companies for compromising their networks every time we published a show." You have been warned.

Next ABSW Briefing - Podcasts...new medium or just cheap radio?

2008-09-03T07:57:00.002+01:00

Date: September 17
Venue: The Geological Society of London, Burlington House
Time: Open 18.00, for 18.30. Close/adjourn to pub: 19.30

Adam Rutherford (Nature Podcast) and Jeremy Webb (New Scientist) speak for and against the utility of podcasts to science magazines.

Why does Nature continue to support its podcast while New Scientist took the decision to close theirs? What makes podcasts different from radio? Should they be judged differently?

Charges and booking

To reserve a place at this event, please email ted.nield@geolsoc.org.uk. Your place will be held for you for one week and confirmed on receipt of payment. Refunds will not be granted after 10 September.

Briefings all attract a nominal charge. There are special rates for ABSW members and a special Student Rate. Students can pay on the night.

Non-members pay a higher fee, or may join on the night to benefit immediately from the discounted rate.

Members and non-members can pay via a PayPal account, to absw [at] absw.org.uk. Please write in the comment box that you are paying for a briefing, and please say which.

Otherwise please send a cheque payable to ABSW to:

Dr Ted Nield, The Geological Society of London, Burlington House, Piccadilly, LONDON W1J 0BG

Students £2; ABSW full/associate £5.
£10 non members. (Join on night for £5 discount.)

See this year's programme of briefings

Telegraph science writer awards 2008

2008-08-31T17:30:00.001+01:00

The report of the Science Writer Awards 2008, The Daily Telegraph’s "21st annual mission to find the future popularisers of science, engineering and technology," is Roger Highfield's swansong in the role of chief cheer leader for the awards. With Highfield, the newspaper's science editor moving on to bigger and better things, it will be interesting to see if the newspaper continues its annual competition for young science writers.

Perhaps it is a sign of the times, and the fact that it is now respectable for young aspiring scientists to write for "ordinary readers," that Imperial College latched on to the fact that one of its students, Erika Cule, picked up the main award for the 20-28 section. (The Telegraph published her essay here.)

The item on the Imperial web site shows that Cule has not allowed the award to go to her head. "Winning the competition has sparked of an interest in science writing. However, I plan to work on my PhD first! After that, who knows?"

Ben Goldacre between soft covers

2008-08-31T15:42:00.001+01:00

The man who has spent the past few years dismembering medical quacks in his weekly column in The Guardian, Ben Goldacre, has made it into paperback. While the "Bad Science" title of his new book might provoke some to complain that it should really be "Bad Medicine," there's no doubt that Dr Goldacre, a fellow member of the ABSW, has done a service to medical journalism, even though the fake remedies, and some journalists' willingness to puff them, shows little sign of going away.

Saturday's Guardian has an extract from the book, The media’s MMR hoax. In this, Goldacre excoriates the newspapers that did much to fuel the hysteria around MMR. His line is that it isn't just, or even primarily, Dr Andrew Wakefield who deserves the blame for this descent into scientific lunacy, but the media.

Given the tradition that dog does not eat dog – that journalists do not pick holes in each others stories – we have to rely on Goldacre for this sort of thing. Journalists happily pick holes in stories over a pint, but they won't do it in print.

One area where Goldacre's account may be slightly divorced from reality is his observation that "While stories on GM food, or cloning, stood a good chance of being written by specialist science reporters, with stories on MMR their knowledge was deliberately sidelined, and 80% of the coverage was by generalist reporters." Plenty of the coverage of GM came from hacks with little understanding of the science.

This really just confirms his thesis that science goes out of the window when medical, or even science, stories get into the hands of columnists, pundits and others not versed in how science works.

Another quibble is the reference to "didactic statements from authority figures on either side of the debate". Didactic is the wrong word. Dogmatic maybe.

Still, anyone who takes potshots at The Daily Mail has to be on the right side. It will be interesting to see how many of the publications in Goldacre's sights find room to review his book.