ScienceWriters (www.sciencewriters2024.org) is an annual, national conference that connects a vibrant community of 600-700 science journalists, informal educators, and artists to local expertise. The fall 2024 national conference will be on Nov. 8-11, 2024 at the Raleigh Convention Center. The local host is the Science Communicators of North Carolina (SCONC), a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to connecting science communicators, promoting science literacy, and cultivating a love of science across the Southeast. The conference is co-hosted by SCONC, the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW). The conference has current financial support and partnerships with the Kavli Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Michaelson Philanthropies, American Chemical Society, NC State’s Interdisciplinary Sciences Initiative, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The lead organizers in NC include Michelle Jewell (President, Science Communicators of North Carolina), Jory Weintraub (Director of Science Engagement, Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs, NC State), Matt Shipman (Assistant Director of Research Communications, NC State).
ScienceWriters aims to inform, inspire, equip and engage science journalists and science communicators as they tell the important science and technology stories of the 21st century – from environmental sciences to innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases and artificial intelligence. Informed publics increase the social wellbeing of their communities, and this event will engage and inform not only local expertise but also leverage the national communications outlets the attendees represent. ScienceWriters also serves the function of highlighting and elevating local expertise of researchers and creators from North Carolina to national outlets. Faculty, students, and staff from nearby universities will participate in events throughout the conference, including “Lunch with a Scientist,” institutional tours, and local receptions. Faculty and researchers from Duke, NC State, UNC, NC A&T, and RTI representing a diversity of fields and backgrounds have been identified and invited to attend these events. KIETS support leverages resources from the NC State Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs, Plant Sciences Initiative, and the Data Sciences Academy.