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Concise and compelling: the challenge of science writing

Loyola Campus abuzz for annual Canadian Science Writers' Association gala
June 17, 2013
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Members of the Canadian Science Writers’ Association mingle in the Refectory on Concordia’s Loyola Campus. | Photos by Concordia University
Members of the Canadian Science Writers’ Association mingle in the Refectory on Concordia’s Loyola Campus. | Photos by Concordia University

From the latest advances in cancer treatments to new developments in chemical engineering, science writers cover a wide range of complex subjects. They’re an important group with an important mission: make science accessible to a broad audience.

In early June, nearly 100 science writers were in Montreal for the annual Canadian Science Writers’ Association (CSWA) conference. The event gave the writers the chance to learn about scientific discoveries, engage in professional development programs and celebrate the best in Canadian science writing from the past year.

The conference also gave CSWA members the chance to get to know Concordia a little better through a special reception held on the Loyola Campus. The event brought science writers together with some of the university’s most promising researchers, individuals who will likely make headlines in the years to come.

Concordia’s Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies Graham Carr addresses the audience.
Concordia’s Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies Graham Carr addresses the audience.

Graham Carr, Concordia’s vice-president of Research and Graduate Studies, was the evening’s master of ceremonies. He warmly welcomed members of the CSWA. “At Concordia, we are very proud of the contributions we’ve made to journalism in this country,” Carr said. “For over 30 years, the Department of Journalism has offered budding young journalists with exceptional learning experiences.”

Indeed, whether they are beat writers, broadcasters, producers or bloggers, Concordia journalism graduates are found across media landscape of Montreal, Canada and around the world.

Carr also highlighted one of the department’s key research activities, the Concordia Science Journalism Project, led by Associate Professor David Secko. This ambitious project seeks to actively support, understand and improve the role of science journalism in Canada. It’s on its way to become an incubator for the science writers of the future.

Members of the Canadian Science Writers’ Association mingle in the Refectory on Concordia’s Loyola Campus. | Photos by Concordia University
Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science & Society, speaks about the need for accurate and compelling science journalism.

Jay Ingram, who won the CSWA’s General Audience Book Award for his publication Fatal Flaws, said he was happy to be at Concordia for the event. Also present was Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science & Society, which is dedicated to demystifying science for the public. Schwarcz spoke eloquently about the need for accurate and compelling science journalism, something the CSWA advocates.

Related links:

•    Concordia University’s Department of Journalism
•    Concordia Science Journalism Project
•    Canadian Science Writers’ Association



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