The American Institute of Physics‘ annual science communication awards are open for entries, and their aim is to “improve the general public’s appreciation of the physical sciences, astronomy, math and related science fields”. The categories include Science Writing: Books, Science Writing: Newspaper, Magazine, and Online Articles, and Broadcast and New Media. Winners receive a prize of US$3,000, an engraved Windsor chair, and a certificate of recognition. Entries are due by March 29, 2019, and more information is available here.
Author: SJAA
The Science Journalists Association of Australia aims to support and foster the professional interests of practising and aspiring science journalists in Australia, and to champion and advocate for independence and excellence in science journalism.
Darren Osborne was the long-time science editor at the ABC, co-founded of Sydney Science Writers, an unrepentant space nerd, and lovely bloke who was taken far too young by cancer. In his memory, the ABC has established this regional science cadetship: a 6 month, full-time paid position with ABC’s Science unit in Ultimo, Sydney.
Applicants must be from outside a major metropolitan area, with a genuine enthusiasm and passion for science, some experience in digital content production, preferably a qualification in a science-related field (desirable), and good communication skills. Applications close March 28, 2019. For more information, the position ad is here.
The entry window for the American Geophysical Union’s annual journalism awards is closing in one week, on Friday 15 March 2019. There are three awards, all of which are open to international journalists and free to enter: the David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism—News, the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism–Features, and the Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism. The awards recognised excellence in journalism that “makes information about the Earth and space sciences accessible and interesting to the general public”, and each comes with a US$5000 prize. More details here.
The University of Rhode Island’s Metcalf Institute – whose purpose is to foster “informed public conversations about environmental issues” – is accepting applications for its 21st Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists, June 2-7, 2019. Ten fellowships are available – two of them for journalists outside the United States – which includes room, board, tuition, and travel reimbursement up to US $1,000 for internationally-based journalists.
The program is aimed at early- to mid-career, full-time journalists from all media who are looking to start or expand their coverage of the environment. “Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for scientific training in topics relating to global change coastal environments, specifically related to climate change and water resources.”
Applications are due 18 February, 2019. More details here.
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Editor position open at Nature Sydney office
Nature’s Sydney office is looking for an editor or senior editor to fill a seven-month maternity leave position with their Nature Index division, starting in April 2019. They’re looking for someone with at least five years experience writing, editing and producing journalism – preferably with a science or data focus – and a bachelor’s degree in science or journalism or related.
Details are here. There’s no closing date but get applications in quickly as this will be a coveted opportunity.
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Health reporter position open at The Age
The Age newspaper is looking for a Health Reporter to cover a 12 month maternity leave period at Media House in Melbourne. They’re looking for “a skilled news breaker and all-rounder who wants ownership of one of our more fascinating, demanding and competitive rounds.”
Deadline for applications is 4 February 2019. More information available here.
Sydney-based weekly medical news magazine Australian Doctor is on the hunt for a journalist to investigate and write news and feature stories across their digital, print and social media platforms.
They’re looking for someone passionate about breaking stories and who is willing to dig behind the headlines of the mainstream media.
Australian Doctor cover a wide-range of clinical, political and social issues – from the latest research on medicinal cannabis to the healthcare inside prison and the vagaries of government policy. Our editorial team, which has won numerous journalism awards over the last decade, will provide training and support.
Email a cover letter and CV to paul.smith@adg.com.au or for more information call 02 8484 0795. Original job ad is here.
From the blue depths of the ocean to the twinkling vastness of black space; from the pulsing red cells of the human heart to the biological behemoth of the Great Barrier Reef; from the nanorobot to the Large Hadron Collider … science is everywhere.
Science writing is also everywhere. Once it was the preserve of printed newspapers, magazines and books. Now writing about science can also be found in a myriad of online publications and outlets, in novels and books of poetry, in blogs and essays.
Sometimes science writing is a simple ode to the wonder of scientific discovery and achievement – whether that be landing a rover on a distant asteroid or unlocking cancer’s immunosuppressive secrets. Sometimes it’s a writers’ eye-view of the winding path so many scientists travel in their careers.
But not all science writing is a cheer-squad for science. Like all human endeavours, science is flawed and fallible. Science can also be misappropriated and misguided, with profound consequences for our lives, ecosystems and planet. Sometimes, science writing is about shining a light into the darker corners of scientific endeavour.
The Best Australian Science Writing is a celebration of science writing in all its forms and about all scientific fields, and as editor of this year’s edition, I’m delighted to call for entries for the ninth edition of this excellent anthology, published by New South Publishing.
I’m looking for news stories, features, blogs, opinion pieces, poems, short stories, book chapters and excerpts up to 7000 words. The anthology includes a mix of lengths, so send me your shorts, your longs and everything in-between.
To be considered for the anthology, pieces must have been published – or be scheduled for publication – in print or online anywhere in the world in 2018 or 2019. Authors must be Australian residents or Australian citizens living overseas. The closing date for entries is 31 March 2019. To download a Bragg Prize entry form, click here.
Please submit your work for consideration via scienceprize@newsouthpublishing.com and please feel free to contact that email address for any other information.
The American Association for Cancer Research’s annual June L Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism is calling for entries, which are due by December 12. The prize will “will honor and reward outstanding journalistic coverage that enhances the public’s understanding of cancer, cancer research, or cancer policy.” There are six categories of prize: large and small newspaper, magazine, online, television and radio. Entry is free, and there is a US$5000 cash prize for the winners. For more information, visit the award webpage.
The New York Times’ Australian bureau has just advertised for a full-time reporter to join the Sydney office and “report and write news and feature stories, with an emphasis on climate, science and technology”. More details here.