NEWSLETTER Issue 6
13 November 2025
Field trip applications are open to registered delegates
From pioneering research centres to state-of-the-art radio telescopes, our pre- and post-conference field trips for registered delegates promise experiences that will captivate every science journalist. They offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of science and the stories behind the discoveries.
Registered delegates, please check your inboxes for an email sent last week by WCSJ 2025. This email contains a link to register your top field trip choices. Remember, you have until 16 December 2025 to submit your selections. If you need assistance, please email info@wcsj2025.org.
Field trip hosts will begin confirming participant selections from 20 November 2025 onwards.
Please note that field trips are only available to registered delegates.
If you haven’t already, register for WCSJ 2025 now and then apply.
Show your work on screen at WCSJ 2025
Calling all filmmakers and on-screen journalists – we want to feature your work in the science space at WCSJ 2025. Submissions can include documentaries, science video reportage, short films, features, or series episodes.
A dedicated viewing room will provide delegates with a relaxed space to enjoy these films between sessions.
If you are interested in sharing your work with a global audience, please contact Morgan Morris at programme@wcsj2025.org for further details.
Please note: All submissions will be reviewed for alignment with the conference theme and suitability for screening at the event. This opportunity is open only to registered delegates and exhibitors, so be sure to register.
First travel grant recipients announced
We are delighted to announce the first group of journalists who, thanks to sponsored travel grants, will be able to attend WCSJ 2025. These grants, provided by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), support journalists working in the United Kingdom and Uganda.
Diana Taremwa
Diana Taremwa is a reporter for Indigenous Times Media in Uganda, dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities across Africa. She is particularly looking forward to gaining practical skills in discerning misinformation and disinformation, as well as building networks that will strengthen her pursuit of social justice.
Davis Buyondo
Davis Buyondo is a Ugandan science journalist for New Vision. He says his attendance of WCSJ 2025 will be a career highlight, and will equip him in his keen interest in writing about the relationship between science, technology, and the future of Africa.
Paul Adepoju
Paul Adepoju reports on science, health, technology, development, and policy in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. His work appears in outlets such as Nature, The Lancet, Scientific American, and New Scientist. He also hosts Paul Talks Science, a podcast connecting scientists and policymakers to explore discovery, innovation, and the human stories behind research.
Rosa Furneaux
Rosa Fernaux works in the UK as a senior reporter at SourceMaterial, a non-profit investigative outlet focused on climate journalism, where she covers the intersection between environmental harm, corporate accountability, and public health. She is looking forward to learning more about the relationship between human and climate health.
Sharon Muzaki
Sharon Muzaki is a Ugandan journalist reporting on science, climate change, and environmental issues. Attending WCSJ 2025 offers her an invaluable opportunity to enhance reporting on African science in a way that is clear, independent, and rooted in local context. Her work has appeared in Nature Africa, the Nile Basin Media Network, and InfoNile.
Dr Yemishi Bokinni
For Dr Yemishi Bokinni, attending WCSJ 2025 is a fitting culmination to a busy and meaningful year of health and science storytelling. She is especially excited to build connections with global reporters committed to sharing science stories that resonate with the communities they impact.
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, our Travel Grant Committee is still finalising selections. Additional grant recipients will be announced soon.
Travel grant awarded to Vietnamese journalist Trang Bui
We are pleased to share that Trang Bui, a Vietnamese journalist working for Mekong Eye, has been awarded a Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) travel grant to attend WCSJ 2025.
Trang looks forward to attending sessions where specialists will discuss the latest developments, engaging with fellow journalists who share her interests, and building meaningful connections within the academic community. With a long track record in conservation and wildlife reporting, she is also eager to learn from African journalists and scientists working in these fields.
Workshops: strengthen your skills
Most WCSJ 2025 workshops will take place on Monday, 1 December 2025. There is an exciting variety to choose from – covering topics from quantum physics to the ethics of science journalism, from honing moderating skills or writing opinion pieces to pitching video stories and exploring tools to combat misinformation.
With careful planning, you may even be able to attend two workshops and gain even more insights from the experts.
In addition, one workshop per day will run on each of the official conference days. These sessions will explore effective reporting on antimicrobial resistance (a workshop sponsored by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership), provide free and accessible tools for science journalists, and highlight strategies to debunk fake news.
➜ View the full programme (subject to change).
Celebrate each other’s work
We are creating a dedicated space for delegates to show their science-related books, podcasts, blogs, and more. These sessions will take place during the afternoon coffee breaks on 1, 2, 3, and 4 December 2025.
If you would like to secure a spot in the limelight, email programme@wcsj2025.org with the subject line: Spotlight sessions.
Meet your members
The WCSJ 2025 Local Organising Committee is providing space for associations to meet informally with their members during coffee breaks.
To reserve a slot, email programme@wcsj2025.org with your association name and preferred day and time. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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