Qualification Program: Science Journalism

Society's interest in the debate over complex scientific subjects is stronger than ever. According to a new study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the need for scientific reporting will continue to grow unabated. Over 60 percent of journalists expect public interest to continue to climb. This is particularly true for the life sciences: genetic engineering, medicine, healthcare, nutrition and biotechnology are all cited as topics of the future. To meet this challenge, journalists constantly need to expand their expertise and build stronger ties to the scientific community. In turn, scientists need to expose their research to wider public discussion. This program encompasses a diverse package of new training and continuing education offerings for journalists and scientists.

The continuing education seminars for journalists address editors and independent journalists who deal with scientific subjects. The focus is on practical communication of expertise and establishing contacts with university and business researchers, along with learning about research strategies and improving judgment. Topnotch lecturers illuminate the research. The high point is visiting a renowned research institution, and then writing an article about it. The series of seminars takes place regionally. Seminars in Bremen (October 2003), Ludwigshafen (March 2004), Cologne (June 2004), Leipzig (October 2004), Berlin (April 2005) and Munich (fall 2005) have been scheduled. Interested parties can apply in writing for scholarships to participate in the program (see downloadable information sheet).

The mentoring program makes it easier for natural scientists to break into the world of science journalism. Over the course of nine months, the mentees complete two editorial internships with media leaders (editorial departments participating in the mentoring program can be found in the Web links). Experienced mentors from the fields of journalism and science provide tips on how to present research reports in various media and offer access to background information and networking. The program began in July 2004 and is being offered again following a comprehensive post-mortem.

The summer academies planned for 2005 also provide contacts to key players. Young science journalists from leading media sources gain exclusive insight into top research institutes and renowned editorial departments in the United States. The objective of this two-week intensive seminar is close engagement with trendsetting scientific topics. (Interested parties must be recommended by their editorial department and have several years of experience.)

The SommerUSAkademie 2005 program takes 15 participants to scientific centers in New York and Boston (Harvard). In addition to communicating expertise, the focus on establishing personal contacts between leading scientists and journalists. Among other events, the schedule (September 3-18, 2005) includes visits to The New York Times, the AAAS, Science, Nature, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), the Columbia University School of Journalism, the New York Academy of Sciences, the Harvard School of Public Health, MIT's Graduate Program in Science Writing, the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, the Broad Institute, the MIT Media Lab, the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Council for Responsible Genetics. The next summer academy is planned for 2007.

The WISSENSWERTE conference in Bremen aims to connect science journalists, science communicators, and researchers with an interest in the media. WISSENSWERTE is the first German-language forum for these target groups to learn about the latest developments in science and journalism and to network with each other. The conference debuted in November 2004 (for further information and presentations). The new conference was developed by the Science Journalism Certification Program, the Association of German Journalists (DJV), and Messe Bremen. WISSENSWERTE conferences (see downloadable flyer on WISSENSWERTE) offer panel discussions with distinguished speakers, talks by leading scientists on trends in top scientific and technical research, and numerous continuing education options for science journalists. The next WISSENSWERTE conference will take place in Bremen on November 28-30, 2005.

An Internet portal for science journalists is also planned-with all kinds of information about news, research, education, networking, and dialogue.

As future "mediators between the worlds," students of the natural sciences, medicine, and technology must become acquainted with the requirements of writing clear and readable text as early as possible. Journalism students must receive a basic education in physical or engineering sciences, enabling them to grasp the societal relevance of complicated scientific relationships, a goal well served by this course of study.

Applications were taken by the Volkswagen Foundation, and the project partners decided to sponsor the creation of a bachelor's in science journalism program at FH Darmstadt and add new modules to the bachelor's in science journalism program at the University of Dortmund. The Bertelsmann Stiftung is providing additional funding to put the programs in place and to ensure teaching quality. With these modules, the program aims to increase communication among the science, business and media arenas. After all, open dialogue is required for the best possible reporting-and for greater transparency in today's information society.