Initiative Science Journalism

The Initiative Science Journalism – located at the University of Dortmund – started in January 2008. With this joint project, the Robert Bosch Foundation, Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft and BASF SE want to enhance the quality of science reporting in Germany.

From 2008 - 2011 the Initiative is going to provide professional training programs and networking options for science journalists in German-speaking countries.

 
The Project Modules

Advanced training seminars on science journalism are offered for editors and free lancers. These provide special knowledge and professional skills relevant for science journalists as well as contacts to researchers in academia and industry. Topics include strategies of inquiry, assessment of information and Internet-based research. Experienced lecturers illuminate the structures of the scientific community and its political dimensions. Each seminar includes a visit to a renowned research facility in order to practise journalistic skills. In addition, special seminars on science journalism in radio & TV are offered. Key aspects of the Initiative's activity will be new training seminars for online media.

Our mentoring program aims to help young scientists to find access to science journalism. The nine-month-long schedule includes a basic training in journalism, two editorial internships at leading media as well as a free research phase. During the program, the mentees are coached by experienced editors who assist in improving journalistic skills and provide access to background information and networks. Besides, the program provides insights into science communications.

With the conference WISSENSWERTE the Initiative has established an important communication platform for science journalists, science communicators and researchers interested in the media. After the successful debut in November 2004 the event is annually organized in Bremen. The congress (www.wissenswerte-bremen.de) is the first of its kind in German-speaking Europe. It aims to offer a forum to share information about new developments in science and journalism and facilitate the formation of networks. The three-day program includes panel discussions with prominent guests, talks by leading scientists about cutting-edge research and advanced workshops on science journalism. The conference concept was developed in co-operation with the German Journalists Association (DJV) and the Bremen Fair.

Research grants, study trips and further events for science journalists and journalists from other departments who are not specialized in science coverage are already in planning.

With its variety of activities the Initiative wants to foster a lively network of science journalists in German-speaking countries – a platform for debates on quality issues and professional development.