(Image: Christian von Essen/Tourist and Convention Bureau Image Bank)
Critical thinking in the public sphere
The leading theme of the conference is Critical thinking in the public sphere. This applies equally to both journalists and the public. Media content and channels are in rapid flux. Evolution is taking place in the social media. What does this mean for science journalism?
Complexity in the world of science is growing. Changes in topics, points of view, and areas of interest challenge science journalists to adopt new orientations in their profession. Change can bring inspiration, enthusiasm and innovations but it can also lead to pessimism and backward-looking nostalgia. Will journalists still be needed in the future?
In the current public spheres of real and virtual worlds, people argue about issues relevant to their everyday life. Science can contribute a lot to these discussions and that’s why science journalists should be there too.
Plenaries, sessions, and workshops at WCSJ2013 offer analysis, practical ideas and daring visions of the world in 2020, and of the role that science journalism will play in it. What is your vision of the future?
Main conference days
Our common values
Tuesday 25th June – Freedom, justice, equality and learning from radical changes and crises. WCSJ2013 Helsinki speaks out about the most burning ethical issues and the values ingrained in the everyday work of a science journalist. From basic human rights and codes of conduct to matters of accessibility of scientific knowledge and political debates, what is the significance of science journalism and science communication in the realisation of shared scientific advancement and culture in different parts of the world?
Our exciting work
Wednesday 26th June – Changes in journalism, the emergence of the Internet and social media. In a busy world where specialisation has turned into multitasking, a journalist has to be able to produce different versions of one news story. New tools and approaches, even ways of life, emerge at a fast pace as media laboratories, companies and individuals carve out exciting new roles and opportunities for science journalists to tap into – and publish – scientific information. As the classic view of journalists as gatekeepers expands to include inspiring map-making in the field of Science, what kind of maps of the world can science journalists create?
Our vulnerable world
Thursday 27th June – Natural disasters, the world economic crisis, cultural changes and questions of health and well-being – what makes us vulnerable? The worlds of business, government, civil society and journalism increasingly want to bring scientific information and innovation to bear on urgent challenges facing those becoming more exposed to economic, social and environmental forces. At the same time, science journalists have to tackle questions regarding their profession and how to achieve open and independent science communication. WCSJ2013 Helsinki will be an illuminating forum for discussing the future challenges of science journalism as well as the opportunities of the 21st century to help us find common solutions.
