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Debate:
Should there be less science news?
FOR: John Rennie, science writer and former Editor in Chief of Scientific American.
Science news as we know it typically consists of formulaic stories on a handful of discoveries airing concurrently in top-tier journals or at conferences. Why the media would default to pack journalism based on that 'exciting paper of the week' model is obvious, but audiences and science reporting would both be better off with less of it.
Jenny Leonard, editor of Futurity, an online research magazine highlighting discoveries from leading research universities in the United States and Canada.
Research discoveries and scientific breakthroughs are not on the decline, but news coverage of those discoveries is declining. Without that coverage we risk losing public engagement in science and public support of research.
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Features:
Where were the science writers?
Should UK science journalists be ashamed that they missed a major story? John Travis suggests some of us might be too preoccupied with dinosaurs to conduct serious journalism...
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The new website is here at last... so use it!
In October 2009, we launched a new website. Having asked our members what they wanted, we began the arduous task of actually building it. One of the things we’re trying hard to do is move towards a one stop shop website: somewhere you can find out about the ABSW, keep your details up to date, see member profiles, read our news, keep up to date with our events and much more - all in one place. We hope you like the results. Please do e-mail with any feedback. In the meantime, here are a few pointers in case you're having trouble finding your way round....
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How to...Twitter
Twitter continues to make the news and continues to confuse ABSW members. Are you baffled by all this Twitter-talk? What the heck is a hashtag? And how do I get started? Jo Brodie and Mun-Keat Looi guide novices through their first tweets and provide some tips for the more experienced....
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News:
Simon Singh granted permission to appeal libel verdict
Science writer Simon Singh has been granted permission to launch a full appeal challenging the High Court’s decision against him in his ongoing libel case initiated by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) back in May....
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The Futurity of Science News?
A group of leading US universities have set up an online 'news channel' to showcase their latest research. But the move has sparked criticism from science journalists who fear it blurs the boundaries between PR and journalism....
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Researcher archive could offer free access to papers
ResearchGATE, a science networking site to help researchers collaborate with each other, has launched a self-archiving repository that gives the public free access to full-text journal articles. This could offer a useful resource for science writers often left frustrated by publication paywalls asking for up to $40 for access to a single article....
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ABSW News:
And our survey said...
The results of the recent ABSW member survey are probed and the Executive Committee's plans to address your concerns are explained...
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Annual 'Away Day' planned
The extremely positive feedback from this year’s World Conference of Science Journalists shows a clear desire and need for science journalists to get together and discuss issues affecting the profession...
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Embargoes working party update
The ABSW working party on embargoes is soon to hold an informal consultation seeking members views...
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ABSW-L Buzz
Editors, scientists and Ben Goldacre. The knives were out this month on ABSW-L...
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New Members
Another healthy crop of new recruits to the ABSW...
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Books
Got a new book coming out? To have your book listed in the next issue, please e-mail the following by 8 January 2010: title, author, blurb, art, publisher and publication date, with number of pages and price if known....
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Columns, Editorials and events:
Time for a new editor: could it be you?
Towards the beginning of 2009, Natasha Loder asked me to take over the role of editor of The Science Reporter and to demonstrate that an electronic publication would not just be cheaper than the printed version, it could be better. Judging from the survey, I think we can say we proved our point. Having done the job I was asked to do for almost my full term of a year (I'll finish in January), I think it's important that the job go to someone else who has the ideas, enthusiasm, creativity, and time to devote to it....
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My ABSW
This isn’t meant to be a self-help page, but I will offer one sound nugget of advice and that is to join the ABSW if you haven’t done so already. My justification for this, above and beyond the usual draw of parties and general connection with like-minded individuals, are the benefits and opportunities that might just get tossed in your direction from the high table of the great and successful in science communication...
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Fabian's World
The usual eclectic round-up of esoteric ephemera...
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Out and About
As the nights turn chillier and breath turns to steam in the air, what better way to save money (and the environment) by heading out to a public science event instead of sitting at home in front of Strictly Go X-rated Ice Dancing with the heating on?
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Hall of Shame:
Most bizarre and pointless extrapolation
Oh, the humanity. Have a look at this...
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Most pathetic attempt to stoke controversy
Putting the "mental" in environmental - Rocket backfires!
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