Interested in Science Communication?

Are you a scientist or engineer interested in science communication and journalism?
Are you a journalist interested in covering more science, tech, health, medicine, nutrition, environment or engineering news?
Are you a student majoring in journalism, communication or science, engineering?

Either way, it doesn’t matter. If you are interested in science, tech, engineering or math (STEM) and want to learn more about training and career opportunities in science communication, and  then here is a chance to attend the Annual Meeting of Science Writers.

Announcing the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) Diversity Travel Fellowship. Sponsored by a generous NASW Idea Grant, these travel awards (5 at $1,000 each) were created to encourage underrepresented minorities in science journalism to attend the ScienceWriters2014 conference (October 17-21; Columbus, OH).

US based underrepresented minority journalists are encouraged to apply especially African-, Hispanic-, and Native-Americans who have journalism experience in STEM, medicine, health, environment, technology, etc.

Learn about the conference from these recaps about ScienceWriters2013 from CASWand KSJ Tracker. Prepare for the conference with advice from SciLance and Open Notebook.

This is a new project with collaborator DiverseScholar and continues our activities to increase diversity in the science communication workforce (#DivSciWri #scioDiversity). 
More details about the application and fellowship here. Application includes 10 survey questions, upload your resume or CV and one 500+ word essay asking applicants to describe the importance of diversity in science communication. Preview the entire application at this link. Deadline to apply is Friday August 29 at 11:55 pm PST using this online application.

I want to get the word out far and wide. I am attending the 2014 National Association of Black Journalists meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, July 31 – August 3, 2014. I am speaking during the Healthy NABJ Panel on Friday, Aug 1, 2014, 10:45 am – 12:15 pm.

Workshop: “Using Social Media for Informed and Influential Reporting – Powered by Eli Lilly & Company.”

Social media is one of the most powerful tools a journalist can use for communicating with an audience. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be beneficial to both health consumers and health care professionals because they provide an immediate opportunity for dialogue. The session will be an engaging and informative look at the use of social media in health care reporting. This workshop offers vital advice for journalists from all beats. I’ll be sharing how these technologies can be used to effectively communicate critical background and explanatory information about health and science in general and foster health and science literacy among under-served populations.

Moderator: Cindy George, Multimedia Journalist, Houston Chronicle

Speakers: Danielle N. Lee, Ph.D.    “The Urban Scientist,” Scientific American Blog Network; Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Psychology, Cornell University
Mark Luckie, Manager of Journalism & News, Twitter
Robert Bertsche, Media and First Amendment Attorney, Prince Lobel Tye LLP

If you would also like to discuss the Diversity Travel Fellowship opportunity or additional Health and Science Communication opportunities at NABJ, then reach out to me. Let’s connect at the meeting.