SCIENCE JOURNALISM WORKSHOP

Sir Mark Walport, UK Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and former Director of the Wellcome Trust believes that: “Science isn’t finished until it’s communicated”. Effective communication of science gives people accurate information upon which to base decisions, particularly policy makers and legislators. And for the scientists, effective communication of science helps them to be understood and to advocate their objectives.

In the age of internet where although information is easily accessible, it is probably even easier to come across false/misleading information, or information presented in the wrong context. This can promote speculations, sensationalism, fear and mistrust. By making science accessible, science communicators help counter the misinformation and misconceptions which clutter public debate.

Media and journalist play important role in championing effective communication of science in Indonesia. It is encouraging to observe that the effort in mainstreaming science journalism has gained some positive momentum. For example, the founding of Society of Indonesian Science Journalist (SSIJ) a couple of years ago and just recently AJI’s awards for the best reportage on food security issues.  If people are able to trust news on science that is robust, transparent and contextualized, this will go a long way to gaining public support for more research and science based policy, and to attracting the next generation of Indonesian scientists.

The British Council, in partnership with the Government of Indonesia, has been delivering Newton Fund projects. One of the projects is joint research activities between UK and Indonesia universities. Subjects of the research vary from sustainable vessel for coastal fishing and transportation to renewable energy. 

Saturday, 19 August 2017

Day 1 will start at 08:00 and finish at 17:00 with one hour break for lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided in the morning and afternoon.

Morning                               Registration and opening                         

Journalists Class

Morning                               The latest development on science (Newton Fund)

Morning/Afternoon               How to identify science story and develop critical outline

Afternoon                              How to cover and write science story

Scientist Class

Morning                               Why effective science communication matters

Morning/Afternoon              Distilling key messages from scientific research

Afternoon                            Case study effective science communication

Sunday, 20 August 2017

09.00 – 12.00                      World Café (chance for Newton Fund researchers to pitch their research and

                  the journalists to identify potential lead to story)

12.00 – 13.00                      Lunch (Newton Fund researchers are not required to attend session after lunch)

13.00 – 15.00                      Time for journalist to draft their plan to cover and write science story using Newton                                               Fund research as case study

15.00 – 15.30                      Coffee break

15.30 – 17.00                      Time for journalist to present their draft plan and mentor to give feedback, and                                                       agree the way forward

17.00                                     Closing