The World Conference of Science Journalists 2023 came to the city of the eternal Spring: Medellín, Colombia 🌸
Last week, I was swept off my feet by the captivating World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) held in Medellín, Colombia. This is the first time in a decade that the conference has returned to the Global South and in twenty years to Latin America.
The WCSJ usually takes place every two years and it’s the largest international event for science journalists to gather, network, and discuss the main challenges they are facing at the moment. This year’s topics revolved around climate change, communicating science through the lens of bio and cultural diversity, and the fight against anti-science sentiments.
Here is a summary of the different seminars, workshops, and lectures.
Monday
On Monday I attended the “Reaching Across Borders: Strengthening Science Journalism in Latin America” workshop in Spanish organized by InquireFirst in collaboration with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Department of Science Education.
The morning started with Lynne Walker and Iván Carrillo igniting a compelling conversation on revolutionizing science journalism in Latin America. They emphasized the need for stronger science journalism in Latin America and highlighted the potential for high-impact results when journalists from different countries collaborate and work together. They also discussed the importance of establishing a network of nations for sharing knowledge and expertise in the field of science journalism.
Then Debbie Ponchner unveiled her secret recipe for crafting the ultimate pitch that will have editors clamoring for your story. She dished out tips on selecting the ideal publication, captivating your story idea, and conducting preliminary research. She also discussed key questions to ask when crafting a pitch, such as novelty, relevance, and the unique angle of the story. Ponchner introduced the Open Notebook Pitch Database as a useful resource for journalists looking for inspiration and examples of successful pitches.
After learning the art of crafting the perfect pitch, we moved on to the centerpiece of the workshop: A pitch session for a Historias Sin Fronteras reporting grant of USD 3000. We had to organize ourselves into cross-border teams and present our ideas in a lighting-fast 5-minute pitch session. All the teams had exciting ideas, so much so that for the first time ever the juries decided to award the grant to two different teams.
Tuesday
Tuesday was the official first day of the conference. The Botanical Garden of Medellín welcomed science journalists from all around the world with a warm cup of Colombian coffee and traditional flower arrangements from the city of the eternal Spring.
Brigitte Baptiste kicked off the conference with her plenary talk on biodiversity: “Universality and colonialism, the conflict of science journalism”. She took a deep dive into the complexities of science journalism in a world where knowledge is under siege. She passionately called for trust in science, the journalist’s duty to defend scientific knowledge, and the imperative to embrace cultural diversity and local wisdom in science reporting.
Then we split off onto different parallel panels. Here’s a quick recap of the ones I attended:
- Moving Lands: What the World Can Learn from Latin America and the Caribbean Early Warning Alerts Systems
This talk emphasized the vital role of journalists in informing citizens about the importance of early warning systems for natural disasters. Panelists discussed the challenges of convincing people about the relevance of these systems, the need to provide accurate information, and the importance of building trust in science journalism.
- Why the youngest children should be on every science journalist’s radar?
Exploring the crucial frontier of maternal health, this talk unmasked the stark disparities haunting African American women in the US and Brazilian mothers affected by the devastating Zika virus. One journalist recounted heart-wrenching tales of mothers left feeling abandoned by scientists who used them for research, only to vanish without a trace, leaving them yearning for answers.
This led the panelists to discuss the need for science journalism to be more inclusive, empathetic, and considerate of different communities and highlight the importance of not being dismissive and instead blending spirituality and local knowledge with scientific research as a vehicle to bridge the gap between diverse communities and the scientific world.
- Writing the popular science book: Three authors tell their stories
Three authors shared the rollercoaster of crafting popular science books, discussing the challenges, joys, and processes involved in bringing their stories to life. From finding agents and navigating publishers to engaging diverse audiences, they unraveled the thrilling path to literary success.
- Dive into the exhilarating world of science writing with Sarah Everts as she uncovers “The Joy of Sweat,” a captivating exploration of perspiration’s strange science. Everts reveals how sweating is one of humanity’s extraordinary superpowers and highlights various cultural sweating ceremonies, such as saunas. She was inspired by Germany’s spa culture and driven by her curiosity to dispel misinformation. As a first-time author, Everts appreciated the invaluable support of her agent and publisher, who helped her navigate the publishing process. To stay organized and focused, she used the Scrivener tool and adopted strategic time management, even taking on freelancing work related to her book.
- Next, Engela Duvenage brings the vibrant stories of South African scientists to life in her children’s book, “Uitvinders, planmakers, en ander slimkoppe var suid-afrika” (Inventors, Bright Minds, and Other Science Heroes of South Africa). Inspired by a book with a yellow cover, “100 social innovations from Finland”, Duvenage published her own yellow book with an informative narrative for young readers about inspiring scientists from her native South Africa. She candidly admitted that her publisher helped her with logistics and marketing that she couldn't have done herself.
- Finally, journey with Jennie Erin Smith to Medellín, Colombia, as she unravels the compelling tale of an Alzheimer’s journey in her book. A real story that could very much be a magical realism story, Smith tells the story of a large Colombian family with a genetic mutation that causes early-onset Alzheimer’s. Smith delves into the groundbreaking research of Dr. Lopera, who discovered the mutation in the 1980s and even got kidnapped once. Smith found inspiration from a TV program and delved into the living laboratory that is Medellín. She shares insights on the financial realities of being a writer, emphasizing the importance of discipline and time management. Smith also touches on the power of book reviewing as a stepping stone for aspiring writers and the potential for untapped markets in countries like Colombia.
These talented authors offer a glimpse into the dynamic and fascinating world of science writing, where curiosity, creativity, and passion intertwine to create compelling narratives that captivate and educate readers. One of the attendees also noted that there are not that many science books written in Colombia, however, the translated versions of foreign science books usually do really well, which suggests that there’s a hunger for those topics in the market.
Wednesday
On the third day, the conference delved into trust in science, exploring its global implications for researchers and the media. The speakers inspired us to reimagine the relationship between science and journalism, transforming it into an open conversation that fosters connections and boundaries. Journalists, they argued, are brokers of knowledge in this process.
- On a Fine Line: How to Cover Science Critically When Science is Already Under Attack
Mariana discusses the crucial role of science journalists in communicating the scientific method’s value amidst a tide of anti-science sentiments, many times fueled by prominent politicians. Maria Clara Valencia steps in, showcasing her multicultural approach to discussing pandemics and critical science, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, recognition, and local knowledge. Meanwhile, Theo Ruprecht’s “Ciência Suja” podcast narrates stories of scientific fraud, sparking healthy criticism and a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by science.
- Trust in Science — Confidence in Research: Global Implications for Researchers and the Media
This talk explores the concept of trust and the role of science journalists as brokers of knowledge. The discussion dives into the issues with real-time science reporting, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it can lead to confusion and mistrust. However, now the public understands how science works in real-time (for example people are ok with forecasters and hurricane reports being based on probabilities). The conversation evolves, highlighting the need to adapt communication channels and redefine the relationship between the public and science with the journalist’s role as a vital bridge-builder in this complex process.
- Can Journalists Give a ‘Jab’ Against Misinformation?
In this panel, both the panelists and the attendees shared different initiatives around the world to combat misinformation, such as WhatsApp groups to debunk conspiracy theories and the program Lie Detectors, a nonprofit organization in Europe that teaches kids news literacy skills.
- Diverse forms of knowledge: Why they are vital in tackling climate and biodiversity crises
A key takeaway from this talk is the need for scientists and journalists to abandon the colonial mindset when engaging with diverse communities. By recognizing underrepresented groups as allies rather than mere beneficiaries, we can work together to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss more effectively. This collaborative approach not only fosters understanding and inclusion but also harnesses the power of diverse knowledge to create a brighter, more sustainable future.
Thursday
On the last day of the conference, the mayor’s office of Medellín shared their exciting initiative, Medellín Software Valley, which aims to promote the development of technology and innovation in the region. As a Colombian data scientist, I am incredibly proud to see my country taking bold steps to strengthen its technological capabilities and foster a thriving innovation ecosystem. This initiative not only paves the way for a brighter future but also positions Medellín as a key player in the global technology landscape.
Then, I thoroughly enjoyed the talk “Laughter in Science Journalism” by Wolfgang Goede and Sofí Cabrera Espín. They discussed their unique approach to engaging the general public with science by incorporating humor and fun activities. An amused brain learns eagerly and understands better. Espín, as the director of Espol Divulga in Ecuador, shared her creative strategies such as Science & Beers, Science Car Pool, Science Comedy Stand-ups, and more, which serve as a fantastic inspiration for science communicators who aim to make scientific concepts more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s refreshing to see how humor can be used effectively to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the wider audience.
As any conference held in Colombia should, #WCSJ2023 came to a close with a spectacular display of traditional folkloric dances. But the real highlight was watching science journalists from all around the world unite on the dance floor, showing off their salsa moves. It was a joyful, unforgettable moment that not only celebrated the conference’s conclusion but also showcased the power of culture in bringing people together.
The World Conference of Science Journalists in Medellín was an unforgettable experience that offered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the enthralling world of science journalism in the areas of climate change, public health, environmental science, and bio/cultural diversity.
As a data scientist, I might be a little biased, but I can’t help but hope that the next WCSJ by the World Federation of Science Journalists [WFSJ] delves deeper into the challenges of science journalism in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Not only is it crucial for science journalists to stay at the forefront of these developments and explore the unique opportunities and obstacles that this technology presents, but it’s also our responsibility as a community to educate the general public about how AI works. By fostering a better understanding of AI’s inner workings, we can help people make informed decisions and contribute to shaping a more knowledgeable and technologically aware society. I eagerly await the exciting discussions and insights that the next conference will undoubtedly bring.
