What is science journalism?

Science journalism is journalism that covers STEMM – science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine – subjects.
The American Press Institute defines journalism as ‘the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information [and] the product of these activities’. In the modern media landscape, that includes everything from news and features to essays and data analysis. Journalism can be printed in a newspaper, broadcast on television or radio, read online, listened to in a podcast, written in a blog or social media post, or watched in a documentary or vlog.
Journalism’s – and therefore science journalism’s – first obligation is to the truth; to report reliable, accurate and verifiable facts.
Science journalism’s loyalty is to citizens/readers first, not to science, about which it should report without fear or favour.
Independence is a cornerstone of journalism and science journalism. Science journalists might do what they do because they have a fundamental love of or fascination with science, but science journalists are not cheerleaders for science. They are independent from their subject matter. Science journalism isn’t just about reporting the latest exciting new discovery; it’s also about shining a light into the dark places in science, critiquing and critically examining it like a political journalist does for politics. It’s about revealing its flaws, its secrets, and its failings, just as much as it is about celebrating its successes.

Am I eligible for full membership of SJAA?

Full membership of SJAA is aimed at people who are substantially involved in the practice of independent science journalism. This means people whose work consists mostly of science journalism, either in-house at a media outlet or publisher, or as a freelance journalist.
It includes writers, editors, sub-editors, presenters, producers, and researchers; working in print, online, television, radio, podcast and video. It also includes university educators in science journalism.

Do I need to be employed by a media outlet to join?

No, you can be freelance or self-employed.

I’m interested in science journalism but not working as a science journalist – can I join?

Yes, associate membership is designed for people who are either not working as a science journalist but have an interest in or involvement with science journalism, or people who do science journalism on a part-time or occasional basis. It offers all the same benefits as full membership, with the exception of a vote at general meetings.

I’m a science communicator, can I join?

Australia has an organisation for science communicators – the Australian Science Communicators – but you are also welcome to join SJAA as an associate member.

Do you have a student rate?

Yes, we have a student membership for individuals at university or TAFE.

Can I join if I’m an Australian science journalist living overseas?

Yes.