Final Conference Statement

The Global Role of Science Journalism and Communication

1. Unique role of Science Journalism

Global social, economic and environmental wellbeing relies upon knowledge-based societies. Scientific evidence fosters many solutions to the grand challenges facing our vulnerable world. Science journalists have a unique role to play in examining that evidence and communicating changing science and its implications for society at large. Different audiences and the general public as a whole need high-quality, independent science journalism that thoughtfully analyses research and puts it into the larger societal perspective.

2. Call for action

Critical questioning and integrity is intrinsic to science journalism. We call upon the associations of the World Federation of Science Journalists 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. Science journalists should strive to communicate the perspectives of crucial stakeholders without compromising journalistic independence. We welcome other associations representing health, environment and technology writers to join the Federation.

3. World Conferences

World Conferences of Science Journalists will help assure that science journalists and communicators across the globe have an opportunity to share their ethics, the core skills of their 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. The momentum of quality science journalism is stronger than ever before, and the global community of science journalists and communicators can work together to create new models of science journalism that cross national borders in this digitally connected world.