Science Journalism
What is science and technology journalism?
The question answers itself: journalism that focuses on science
and technology. At its heart, science journalism is largely about
translation. Connecting scientists with the public is one of the
biggest parts of a science journalist's job. Science journalists
(writers and editors) fill a wide variety of roles. Some work as
reporters for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, websites,
or blogs; some work as editors, polishing the latest research
articles to get them ready for the world; and some work as public
information officers for laboratories, government agencies,
universities, corporations, or museums.
Why is it important?
Because science is important. Science affects our lives more
each day, and the number and complexity of scientific discoveries
is accelerating. This is where science journalists come in. Science
journalists act as a sort of translator between the scientific
community and the public at large by reporting on what is
important, clarifying what is unclear, asking the right questions,
and looking for the right answers.
Is science and technology journalism for me?
That is a difficult question to answer. There isn't one specific
type of person who is a good fit for the profession. Traditionally,
science reporters were general beat reporters who either had an
interest in science or were simply thrown into the mix by their
editors. Today, the field has changed somewhat. General reporters
still fill out the ranks of science journalists, but a new breed of
science writer with scientific background has come onto the
scene.
Regardless of educational background (a scientist moving into
writing or a writer with an interest in science), the main
qualities needed in a science journalist are curiosity, a desire to
learn, and a strong work ethic. Writing about science can be
difficult, but it can also be rewarding.
If any of the following questions resonate with you, you might
find science journalism interesting: (Adapted from: How to
Write and Publish a Scientific Paper. 6th ed.)
- Were you interested in both science classes and other
classes?
- Do you enjoy reading? Do you find yourself mentally correcting
grammar and spelling? Have you ever had the urge to edit flyers,
signs, or even graffiti?
- Do you like word games such as Scrabble or crossword
puzzles?
- Did any teachers or fellow students compliment your writing?
Have others asked you to edit or review their work?
- Did you write for or consider writing for student
publications?
- Would you consider yourself more of a science generalist? Do
like to find out new things in a wide variety of scientific
fields?
- Do you enjoy writing and editing? Were you the one in your lab
group who volunteered to write the reports? When you wrote research
papers did you ever look up and realize that hours had gone
by?
Books About Science Writing
- A Field Guide for Science Writers. 2nd ed. 2005. Deborah Blum,
Mary Knudson, and Robin Marantz Henig, eds. 0-19-517499-2
- Ideas into Words: Mastering the Craft of Science Writing. 2003.
Elise Hancock. 978-0-801-88132-9
- How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper. 6th ed. 2006.
Robert A. Day and Barbara Gastel. 0-313-33040-9
Science Journalism Organizations