This spring, the National Association of Science Writers is bringing back the Science Writers Roundtable professional events series. Launched by the NASW Board of Directors in 2023, these talks serve as the organization’s main virtual forum dissecting and responding to forces that shape the business of science news.
This year’s panel discussions will focus on the state of the journalism ecosystem and the communities they cover given recent challenges to the First Amendment and sweeping changes to the federal government — including funding cuts, communication freezes, and layoffs — that are seriously hindering the ability of scientists, science communicators, and public information officers to facilitate the flow of information to journalists and the public.
Each #SciWriRoundtable event will be moderated by an NASW board member in conversation among panelists with experience and expertise relevant to journalists, writers, institutional communicators, and others in the science news industry.
Full descriptions and panelist details, along with a link to free registration, will be announced ahead of each webinar.
Reporting in challenging free speech environments
Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. Eastern
Journalists from around the world with experience working under varying constraints on press freedom will share their perspectives, offering lessons, insights, and tips.
Breaking news In turbulent times
Thursday June 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. Eastern
A panel of three science and tech journalists offer tips for handling the firehose of content in times of crisis and breaking news: We’ll hear from reporters and editors on how to juggle reporting and investigating during fast-moving disasters, what to do with conflicting information, how to protect oneself, and how to prioritize energy and time in this unprecedented era in the United States.
Covering trans health issues with accuracy and sensitivity
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 1 p.m. Eastern
Transgender individuals have been targeted in recent years through a spate of state and federal laws, which has made covering issues affecting this vulnerable group a particular challenge as misinformation and partisan reporting have often taken the place of accurate and sensitive reporting. Join a panel of science journalists as they share tips from their experience with trans health issues on how to cut through the noise, find trusted sources, and include crucial trans voices for balanced and inclusive reporting.
The NASW Board of Directors is an all-volunteer, member-elected body charged with governing the National Association of Science Writers, Inc., a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. NASW board members are journalists, public information officers, and other media professionals whose work has appeared in major news publications and research institutions across the United States and beyond. Meet the current NASW Board members at www.nasw.org/nasw-officers-executive-board-and-key-people.
Founded in 1934 with a mission to fight for the free flow of science news, NASW is an organization of ~2,400 professional journalists, authors, editors, producers, public information officers, students and people who write and produce material intended to inform the public about science, health, engineering, and technology. To learn more, visit www.nasw.org and follow NASW on LinkedIn and Bluesky.
