Associations of Science Journalists urged to promote transparency, access to information

The Eighth World Conference of Science Journalists ended on Friday with the call on associations of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) to promote freedom of expression, access, transparency, and better communication among public and private organizations involved in scientific research and policy.

Such access is crucial to science journalism and its important role in informing the general public about science and its implications for society.

This is contained in a communiqué read by Ms Satu Lipponen, President of the Conference and Finnish Association of Science Editors and Journalists (FASEP).

It said critical questioning and integrity was intrinsic to science journalism and it behoves reporters to strive to communicate the perspectives of crucial stakeholders without compromising journalistic independence and responsibility.

The statement impressed on other associations representing health, environment and technology writers to join the Federation.

It acknowledged that the World Conferences of Science Journalists will maintain the status quo and create the platform to share their ethics, core skills of the profession, and the changing media landscape, as well as knowledge about journalistic coverage of topics across the breadth of science, including basic research, health, the environment, and technology.

It noticed that the momentum and quality of science reporting was soaring stronger and the global community of science journalists and communicators could work together to create new models of science journalism that cross national borders in this digitally connected world.

It said different audiences and the general public as a whole need high-quality, independent science journalism that thoughtfully analyses research and places it into the larger societal perspective.

The statement indicated that global social, economic and environmental wellbeing relies upon knowledge-based societies with scientific evidence fostering many solutions to the grand challenges facing our vulnerable world.

It said science journalists have a unique role to play in examining that evidence and communicating changing science and its implications for society at large.

The Conference attracted over 800 participants from 77 countries.

Source: GNA