NEWSLETTER Issue 3
16 October 2025
Programme update: Look who’s talking
Have you seen our newly updated programme? View our line-up of speakers.
Speakers from across the globe will address themes including social justice and the role of science journalism, the art of communication, the state of the profession, the wellbeing of people and the planet, and misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
The struggle to communicate climate change when politics promotes denial and misinformation will be the focus of a plenary moderated by Bruno Massare, editor at Agencia TSS in Argentina and board member of the Argentine Network of Scientific Journalism (RADPC).
The World Federation of Science Journalists will host a workshop on implementing their ethical guidelines in the workplace, while a session led by Leonor Sierra of Risk Know-how will explore the role of radio as a powerful tool for risk communication. Her panel includes Bernard Okebe, a radio journalist from Kenya, Myra Anubi, presenter of the BBC World Service’s People Fixing the World programme, and Nuria Jar of Spain’s Catalunya Radio.
For those ready to take on a challenge, there will be an interactive Dragon’s Den-style pitch session where journalists from the audience can present their story ideas to a panel of commissioning editors. Canadian freelancer Brian Owens will moderate the session, joined by Terna Gyuse of Mongabay, Martin Enserink of Science, Linda Nordling of Research Africa, and Laura Howes of Chemical & Engineering News.
Travel grant update – first round closed
The first round of applications for travel grants to attend WCSJ 2025 has now closed.
These grants are sponsored by:
- Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) Grant
- South African Department of Science, Technology & Innovation (DSTI) Grant
- Springer Nature Travel Fellowships
New call opening soon
A new call for additional travel grants will open soon, again with a short but necessary deadline. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their letters of recommendation and other required documents in advance. See guidance on what you need to apply.
No need to submit again
Applications submitted during the first round that were not successful will automatically be considered in subsequent rounds. If you have already applied, there is no need to do so again.
To receive timely updates, please subscribe.
Do you have an opinion about something? Is it time to share it?
Opinion articles form an essential bridge between science and society. They allow scientists and journalists to share informed, personal perspectives on how science fits within broader societal and political contexts, or to advocate for specific issues. Such pieces can help journalists build a reputation as reliable, evidence-based commentators on particular topics and foster closer connections with their audiences.
At WCSJ 2025, a workshop sponsored by Springer Nature will explore the craft of opinion writing – why it matters, how to pitch ideas to editors, and the fundamentals of structuring a strong piece.
Preparation for the session
If you would like to take part in this hands-on session, start preparing now. Before the event, participants are encouraged to draft either a 500-word opinion article on any topic or a 400-word pitch for one. Submissions can be sent to Lucy Odling-Smee.
Alternatively, you can attend the workshop with an idea for an opinion article that you would like to pitch. There will be an opportunity to receive feedback from experienced editors.
Exclusive flight discounts with Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways has partnered with WCSJ 2025 to offer delegates exclusive discounted fares.
Attendees can access these special rates via the Kenya Airways website or by contacting the Customer Centre directly.
When booking online, please use the promo code WCSJ25 to activate the discount.
Please note the following details:
Sale (booking) period: 14 October 2025 – 5 December 2025
Travel period: 23 November 2025 – 12 December 2025
Customer Centre numbers: +254 20 327 4747 / +254 73 410 4747
WhatsApp number: +254 705 474 747
Arrive early and enjoy Science Forum South Africa 2025
The Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) is an annual, open, and free-to-attend event showcasing the best of South African science. This year, the Forum will take place from 24 to 28 November 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria – the same venue as WCSJ 2025. WCSJ 2025 delegates may wish to arrive in South Africa a little early to attend. Register to attend
The Forum provides a large, open, public platform for debating the interface between science and society. The theme for 2025 is Igniting Conversations about Science – Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.
Key features of SFSA 2025 include:
- A provocative and stimulating programme with several parallel sessions addressing a wide range of science and science policy themes;
- A diverse participant base, including scientists, students, public and private sector representatives, and civil society members;
- A programme shaped not only “top-down” by the organisers but also allowing public input through a competitive call for proposals to organise sessions; and
- A strong international dimension, reflected in the participation of speakers and attendees from a variety of countries, particularly across Africa.
New field trips
Two new field trips have been added to the programme, with more coming soon:
Conservation science in action
A visit to the Dinokeng Game Reserve to explore conservation and research partnerships. The reserve is the only game reserve in the world located within the boundaries of a metropolitan area where the Big Five roam freely.
Palaeoanthropology, science, and interpretation in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
A field trip offering varied insights into the remarkable fossil discoveries unearthed in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
More field trips coming soon
Make the most of your visit to South Africa by joining a post-conference scientific field trip to the Western Cape – home to two of South Africa’s leading universities and world-class research facilities. The two-day programme, from 8–9 December, will include visits to iThemba LABS (Laboratories for Accelerator-Based Science) and the Biomedical Research Institute at Stellenbosch University, where the Omicron variant was first identified.
Other highlights include lunch at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, visits to the Universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and a pinotage wine tasting at Welgevallen Cellar to celebrate the 100-year history of this uniquely South African cultivar.
Further details on this trip, as well as a possible visit to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory on 3 and/or 10 December 2025, will be shared soon.
Applications
Applications for scientific field trips will open toward the end of October for registered delegates.
If you are not yet on the mailing list, please subscribe to get updated.