The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) is committed to improving the quality of science news reaching the public. Comprised of a panel of distinguished journalists and scientists, CASW develops and funds programs to help reporters and writers produce accurate and informative stories about developments in science, technology, medicine and the environment.

The Council's contributions to science writing were recognized in 2003 when it received the prestigious Public Service Award of the National Science Board, which advises the president and Congress on science and oversees the research programs of the National Science Foundation.

CASW's programs include:

• The New Horizons in Science® briefing, held each year at a leading research university, in conjunction with the annual meeting of the National Association of Science Writers .
• Traveling fellowships that enable reporters from small newspapers, magazines and television stations to cover the New Horizons briefing .
• Scholarships for students studying science-writing at the graduate level at accredited journalism schools.
• Visits by experienced science writers to smaller publications and scientific institutions and laboratories to describe the nature and needs of science writing.
• Sponsorship and administration of the annual Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting .