Science Writing News Roundup

Announcing IJ WEEK: An Online Event with More than 100 Speakers Dedicated to Investigative Journalism Around the World.The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is looking forward to welcoming the investigative journalism community, journalism academics and trainers, as well as students, to this virtual experience, to expand the opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking. (Image via GIJN) Welcome! You are reading the Science Writing News Roundup, a newsletter for science writers.

On Tuesday, the international scientific publisher Springer Nature sold Scientific American, the iconic 181-year old publication famous for its authoritative coverage of science to LabX Media Group. Large numbers of staff were immediately laid off, and salaries of remaining workers were cut by as much as 30 percent.

Tarbell offers grants of $1,000–$20,000 to support original reporting on AI published in established outlets, whether from freelancers or staff. This round, they’re seeking applications across six focus areas: Accountability reporting on frontier AI companies AI policy and politics AI explainers and analysis AI in government and militaries AI labor impacts AI developments in China Applications for this round close July 12.

Seven journalists awarded fellowships to study science writing.Seven journalists who’ve covered science and the environment across the United States are headed to graduate programs in science journalism aided by Taylor/Blakeslee Graduate Fellowships from the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing for the 2026-2027 academic year. (Images via CASW) Welcome! You are reading the Science Writing News Roundup, a newsletter for science writers. You can also read this edition online.

Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash Ten Tips for Prompting Sources to Open Up: Good interviews are key to just about any story in journalism. But to truly make a piece stand out, reporters often need to encourage their sources to really open up—go deep on a complex topic; delve into a fiery controversy; maybe even share a personal story that’s never been coaxed out on the record before.

Bringing Scientific Evidence into Any Beat: Food, Restaurants & Agriculture + How to safeguard public interest journalism in the age of AI. Photo by Steven Weeks on Unsplash Bringing Scientific Evidence into Any Beat: Food, Restaurants & Agriculture. While some might view the food beat as only recipes and reviews, there are plenty of opportunities to flavor these stories with scientific evidence and voices. Welcome! You are reading the Science Writing News Roundup, a newsletter for science writers.

Hantavirus outbreak: What journalists should know + Climate journalism: Free online course on investigative reporting for every beat. Climate journalism: Free online course on investigative reporting for every beat. Over four weeks, participants will learn to uncover the climate story through an investigative lens, connecting it to fossil fuels and clean energy, nature and food systems, heat and health, and the promises made by companies and governments.

Landing Your First Assignment Without Any Clips + Why—and How—Academics Should Talk With Journalists. Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash Welcome! You are reading the Science Writing News Roundup, a newsletter for science writers. You can also read this edition online. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up here. 🔭Resources Why—and How—Academics Should Talk With Journalists. Beyond the personal and professional rewards, helping reporters use research on an ongoing basis is a public service.

AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship welcomes 2026 fellows:Fifteen early career scientists — spanning research areas from medical artificial intelligence to exoplanets to bug science — will join newsrooms around the U.S. this summer to contribute their skills towards increased public understanding of science and technology. (Image via AAAS) Welcome! You are reading the Science Writing News Roundup, a newsletter for science writers. You can also read this edition online.

Applications are now open for the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award. The Award comprises a career prize, recognizing the accomplishments of a mid-career science journalist, and a grant of at least $20,000 to enable the winner to undertake a significant reporting project. Awardees will also be paired with a senior science journalist who will serve as a professional mentor to help support the project. The annual deadline for applications is April 30. and submit your application here.