Resources

Questions about science journalism? We've compiled some resources to help inform aspiring and early-career science writers.

Science Writing Awards Programs

Stories featured on CASW Showcase are selected by a panel of volunteer judges from work recognized by recent awards given by scholarly and professional organizations. The awards from which Showcase stories are drawn include the following:

Another six stories were winners of the National Academies Keck Futures Initiative Communication Awards, which ended in 2019. You can read more about the awards represented in Showcase on the Awards page.

Many Showcase stories have won other awards. Among the awards programs closely related to science writing are:

Science Writing Anthologies

Want more examples of superb science writing? Anthologies select from the best work published each year. These include:

Annotations

If you like the Storygrams, you might be interested in these:

Advice on Science Writing

Here are some online guides that discuss the craft and trade:

Plenty of websites and blogs are dedicated to discussing science journalism:

Books

There are plenty of books that can help you learn the ins and outs of the field. Here are a few of our favorites:

Books that advise scientists on the challenges of interpreting science for the public include:

Graduate Programs

A graduate program in science writing isn’t for everyone, but it can help a novice hone the craft and make valuable connections. An article at The Open Notebook asks what a science writing master’s program gets you. CASW supports graduate education in science writing with the Taylor/Blakeslee University Fellowships.

Prominent science journalism graduate programs in the U.S. include:

Science Journalism Associations

In the field of science journalism, networking is everything. Here are multiple communities that can help you connect.

National:

California:

The West Coast (sans California, plus Hawaii):

Central Time:

The East Coast:

Global:

Professional Fellowships

These programs provide science-writing experience, project support, or opportunities to explore an area of interest.

Many other fellowship programs are open to science journalists. Announcements are regularly posted on the NASW website.

Let us know of useful resources via the Suggestion Box. Note that although these resources are primarily oriented toward U.S. journalists, some awards programs and organizations are international.