World Conference of Science Journalists, London 2027 – Key Partnerships Announced

Four major science organisations are partnering with the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 (WCSJ2027) as ‘Founding Partners’. The Royal Society, Springer Nature, UK Research and Innovation, and Wellcome are all providing early support to ensure the success of this major international event.

The World Conference of Science Journalists will take place in London in September 2027 with the theme: 'Strengthening science journalism through global networks'.  Over 800 science journalists from around the world will gather at the conference to promote and strengthen their role as key players in society. Through workshops, debates and keynotes from leading journalists, scientists and other experts, WCSJ2027 will improve the quality of science reporting. It will promote standards, support science and technology journalists worldwide, plus provide training activities designed and implemented by science writers, journalists and communicators.

Scholarships and travel fellowships will be available alongside the option of remote attendance to ensure that WCSJ2027 is truly accessible to all budding attendees globally.

The World Conference of Science Journalists is a major initiative of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), who award the right to host the biennial event to local science journalism organisations. In December 2025, the conference will take place in Pretoria, South Africa, before heading to London in 2027, hosted by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW).   

Andy Extance, Chair of the ABSW, said: 

WCSJ2027 will be a truly global conference organised by science journalists for science journalists and all who care about quality science reporting. It will be independent, critical, open, innovative, diverse, and inclusive. This conference will also set an example for minimising the climate impact of conferences.

The founding partners for WCSJ2027 all spoke of their reasons for supporting the Conference and their hopes for this major international event.  

Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said: 

Right now, scientific evidence is under siege from misinformation. Journalists, in whatever media, help provide access to trusted and reliable scientific voices and we need more of that in the world. The World Conference of Science Journalists can play a big part in supporting this.

The theme of trust was reinforced by Philippa Michael, Head of Public Initiatives at Wellcome: 

Science is helping us solve urgent health challenges around the world, but for science to be as effective as possible we need to sustain public confidence in it. By facilitating evidence-informed public conversations about science, rigorous journalism is one of the key contributors to trust and understanding. We look forward to collaborating on this important event.

Stephen Pincock, Executive Vice President in Springer Nature’s Partnerships team, said: 

Science journalism plays a vital role in making research accessible and meaningful to society. Springer Nature is proud to sponsor the World Conference of Science Journalists, which will bring together the people and organisations who are committed to strengthening that mission globally

Chris Melvin, Head of News at UKRI, said: 

UKRI is delighted to be supporting the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027. We look forward to working with ABSW and the other founding partners to create a truly exciting event in 2027.

Of the founding partners, Chair of the ABSW, Andy Extance, said: 

The ABSW could not undertake to run such a major international event without the early support of our founding partners. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable in developing an innovative and successful event.

Registration is still open for the World Conference of Science Journalists 2025 in South Africa.

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