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SCIENCE JOURNALISM

Science journalists aim to explain science in a way that the public can understand. They work in popular print, broadcasting and online media. Here are some examples of where you can find the latest UK science news. We have also provided information about organisations that specialise in science journalism.

SCIENCE IN THE NEWS

BBC news – science and natureProvides up-to-date news, video, audio and feature stories on all aspects of science from a UK perspective.

cubedOur monthly webzine covering the latest innovations in fashion and music, design and digital, film and life. It keeps you up-to-date with the science that’s shaping society and bringing a new dimension to everyday life.

FocusA monthly online magazine developed by the BBC. It reports on the latest science and technology news.

First ScienceA popular online science magazine featuring articles on important scientific breakthroughs, the latest news, video clips, blogs and other forms of science content.

Guardian Unlimited Science websiteThis website provides the latest science news and information from around the world, analysis and commentary from the UK’s Guardian and Observer newspapers.

New ScientistOne of the most popular science magazines in the UK. It features the latest science news, special reports and job vacancies. It can also be accessed online.

The Science and Development Network (SciDevNet)Aims to provide reliable information about science and technology for the developing world. It helps individuals and organisations in developing countries make informed decisions about how science and technology can improve economic and social development.

Sky at nightBased on the popular television series, the magazine features contributions from world-leading astronomers and writers and covers the latest discoveries in astrophysics. It is aimed at both experienced and amateur astronomers.

The Royal Society’s science news sectionProvides a daily summary of the latest science news stories. It also issues press releases and statements in response to topical science issues.

ORGANISATIONS

There are several organisations in the UK that specialise in science journalism:

AlphaGalileoAn online press centre for European research in the arts, humanities, science, medicine, health and technology. It provides instant access to news releases, event details, book announcements, background information, broadcast material and a database of experts. Journalists registered with AlphaGalileo have access to embargoed information and benefit from an advanced e-mail alert service that allows to specify needs regarding research areas of interest, type of content, languages spoken and dispatch time.

Science Media Centre Based at the Royal Institution, the Science Media Centre provides journalists with useful resources when science is in the news, such as accurate information, a scientist to interview or a feature article.

The Association of British Science WritersFor science journalists who work in popular print, broadcasting and other media, as well as students who have an interest in science journalism. It aims to assist those who write about science and technology, and to improve the standard of science journalism in the UK.

The International Science Writers AssociationAn international association for science journalists which works to obtain improved science media facilities, to get recognition of members, and to maintain and improve standards of science writing generally.

The UK science, technology, engineering and medicine public relations association.Membership of STEMPRA is open to individuals working in, or on behalf of, an organisation where ‘scientific’ public relations, media relations, or communication forms some or all of their job. is an informal network set up to bring together people working in science communication

PODCASTS

Over recent years science communicators have begun to use podcasting as a means of directly reaching a wider audience. A podcast is a media file that can be downloaded to an MP3 player or computer. Here is a selection of some of the best science-related podcasts from the UK.

The Naked ScientistsA group of doctors and researchers who run a weekly interactive science radio show. The shows can be downloaded as podcasts or listened to online and are also provided in text versions. A searchable archive lets you look for shows about the topics which interest you.  

Science LiveA partnership between Cambridge University and the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and it provides video streaming and podcasts of popular science lectures, interviews with scientists and short videos from Cambridge University Science Productions. It also includes events from the Cambridge Science Festival.

Digital PlanetA weekly programme from the BBC World Service that looks at how technology is changing our lives.

FocusThis is the monthly science and technology magazine from the BBC. It has articles and interviews with scientists, as well as questions from the public.

Open2.NetThe online learning portal from the Open University and the BBC. It offers podcasts of some of its programmes, including those with science-related themes, such as the ‘Ever wondered about food?’ series.

The Royal Society PodcastsThe UK’s national academy of science podcasts some of its public lectures and events.

Chemistry World PodcastProduced by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this podcast has interesting interviews and features, as well as analysis of science related news. Recent features include a discussion of nanoparticles to prevent wrinkles, and slimming pills for dogs.

Cancer Research UKThis is a magazine style podcast which showcases Cancer Research UK’s work. It includes interviews with researchers, patients and fundraisers.

The JodcastA monthly podcast covering all aspects of astronomy from the University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory. It includes the latest news, details of what you can see in the current night sky and interviews with astronomers. It also has news sections translated to Chinese and Portuguese.

Institute of PsychiatryThe Institute of Psychiatry, part of King’s College in London, provides podcasts of their public lectures, debates and events. Recent podcasts include ‘Love is a delusion’ and ‘The Race Blame Game’, a debate about racism and psychiatry.

Imperial College LondonImperial College provides podcasts of its public lectures. Recent examples include ‘The changing face of robotics’ and ‘Architecture in nanospace’.

The University of WarwickWarwick Podcasts allow you to hear from University experts commenting on important issues, their research and events. Recent items include ‘Green Chemistry’ and ‘Perceptions of Body Image’.

The University of BathPodcasts from the University of Bath’s public lecture series where leading names from the worlds of science, humanities and engineering talk about the latest research in their field.

The University of EdinburghThe University of Edinburgh hosts a series of public lectures and its Enlightenment series will be made available as podcasts.

ScienceSnapsScienceSnaps trained a number of scientists from the North East of Scotland to produce and publish science podcasts, which are available on their website. You can subscribe to Science Snaps podcasts and get the latest episodes delivered to your computer.

TELEVISION AND FILM

Like radio, film and television brings science out of the lab and into our living rooms. Science has become an increasingly mainstream part of UK television, featuring regularly on our screens.

TELEVISION

Here are some of the most popular science television series broadcast in the UK.

BrainiacA popular science series aimed at young people. It emphasises the fun side of science through experiments and describes itself as ‘part science, part stunts’.

HorizonA long-running BBC science documentary series which examines scientific issues and discoveries. Although this page is no longer updated it has been left online, just in case visitors may find it helpful or interesting in the future.

Natural worldBBC Two’s flagship natural history series. It often provides amazing film footage of the natural world.

Planet earthRecently broadcast on the BBC, Planet Earth was a groundbreaking series, featuring incredible footage of the planet’s wildlife.

Royal Institution Christmas lecturesThe lectures have been held annually since 1825. They provide a forum for presenting science to young people in an informative and entertaining way and are now televised each year on the UK’s fifth terrestrial channel, Channel five.

The sky at nightA regular astronomy programme presented by legendary astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore. It looks at astronomical and space related topics. Although this page is no longer updated it has been left online, just in case visitors may find it helpful or interesting in the future.

Online video streamingThere are plenty of opportunities to watch or listen to scientific programmes and debates online. See our selection of sites which offer live webcasts or pre-recorded programmes covering many different aspects of science in the modern world.

FILM

Oxford Scientific Films Its film library specialises in wildlife, science, special effects, time-lapse, slow-motion, macro and micro cinematography. The collection is made up of original imagery from the OSF cameramen and award-winning footage from over 40 other film companies and film-makers.

The Wildscreen festivalThis prestigious, week-long event celebrates and promotes excellence within the wildlife media industry. The finale to this annual event is the Panda Awards Ceremony, the wildlife film industry’s equivalent of the Hollywood Oscars. The festival is traditionally based in Bristol, UK.

VIDEO CLIPS