NEWSLETTER Issue 2
8 October 2025
Travel grant applications open tomorrow
The travel grant application process opens tomorrow (Thursday, 9 October 2025).
Applications close on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 — please note the quick turnaround.
We extend our thanks to the following sponsors, whose generous support allows us to offer these travel grants:
- South African Department of Science, Technology & Innovation (DSTI)
- Association of British Science Writers (ABSW)
- Fonds de Recherche du Québec (FRQ)
- Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP)
- Johns Hopkins CAAT Global Exposome Forum
- Springer Nature
More travel grants are in the pipeline and will be announced in an upcoming newsletter.
Early bird registration
Join the world’s largest gathering of science journalists.
Due to overwhelming demand from journalists worldwide eager to register, the Board and Local Organising Committee have agreed to extend the Early Bird rates until 20 October 2025. Don’t miss your chance — register now.
Visa information
Our Visa Information page provides guidance on obtaining a visa for South Africa. View a list of countries that are exempt from visa requirements. We also recommend checking with your nearest South African embassy.
Visa support letters will be provided to conference delegates upon registration.
Programme highlights
Have you explored the WCSJ2025 programme yet? It’s a vibrant mix of sessions, designed not only to inspire but also to help you sharpen your skills as a science journalist. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:
Monday, 1 December – Workshop Day:
Learn how to become an opinion writer, equip yourself with tools to combat science misinformation, and discover ways to report more inclusively and ethically. A selection of field trips is also scheduled.
Tuesday, 2 December:
Focus on social justice in your reporting through sessions designed to deepen your understanding and expand your storytelling approaches.
Wednesday, 3 December:
Attend a hands-on workshop on “how to be excellent” and acquire practical tools to achieve it. Explore alternative story formats, go beyond words in storytelling, and enjoy a Dragon’s Den-style pitch session, offering a peek into the minds of leading editors.
Thursday, 4 December:
Don’t miss “Show Me The Money”, a session to help you thrive in your career. You can also learn how to create innovative formats for communicating science to children.
Friday, 5 December:
Our main field trip day takes you around Pretoria and Johannesburg. Additional field trips in the Cape Town area are planned for 8–10 December 2025.
New field trips added
Exciting new field trips have been added to the WCSJ2025 programme.
Explore South Africa’s space history
A field trip to SANSA Space Operations in Hartebeesthoek to explore Africa’s oldest and most advanced ground station, playing a crucial role in global space missions.
Scientific discoveries from a Global South perspective
Meet world-class scientists across a range of fields and explore the WITS Digital Dome, Origins Centre, and Fossil Vault, home to the renowned Little Foot, Mrs Ples, and Taung Child fossils at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Delve into African art at the university’s museum and learn about cutting-edge photonics and quantum research.
Step into the world of early humans
A field trip to the world-renowned Wits Sterkfontein Caves. “Africa gave the world humanity; Africa gave the world its first human culture and that is no small feat.” – Emeritus Professor Phillip Tobias. Discover iconic hominin fossils including Mrs Ples (1947) and Little Foot (1997), along with over 700 other specimens dating back 3.67 million years. This immersive experience lets you engage with live scientific research in real time.
Did you know?
South Africa’s recently launched National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS) promotes theoretical and computational sciences to advance research, innovation, and socio-economic development across Africa.
Airport transfers
All delegates are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the airport. OR Tambo International Airport is approximately 46 km (about 30 minutes) from Pretoria. A range of transfer options are available:
- High-speed train: Take the Gautrain from the airport terminal to Hatfield Station, then continue by Gautrain bus to your hotel or directly to the CSIR ICC.
- Airport transfers: Book and pay online with Ulysses Tours & Safaris (select “Gauteng Province and all Gauteng Airports” from the drop-down menu, pick-up address “OR Tambo International Airport”). Use the promotional code WCSJ2025 for a 10% discount.
- Car rental: All major car hire providers operate from OR Tambo Airport. Pre-booking is recommended.
- E-hailing: Uber and Bolt are fully operational in South Africa.
- Hotel transfers: Some hotels may offer shuttle services. Please enquire directly with your accommodation when booking.
Travel safety
As with travel to any foreign country, visitors to South Africa should remain alert and take sensible precautions. Be mindful of common crimes such as petty theft and robbery, particularly in urban areas. Always lock your car, avoid walking alone at night, and do not display cash or valuables.
Use secure and reputable transport options such as Uber, the Gautrain, or certified tour operators. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid remote or poorly lit areas, and remain cautious of scams.
Please see the South African Government’s response to a recent US travel advisory.