Science conference and ABSW Awards

The 3rd European Conference of Science Journalists (ECSJ) will be held in Manchester on July 23 as a satellite event at EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF).   The Conference jointly organized by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) and the European Union of Science Journalist Associations (EUSJA), replaces the ABSW’s biennial UK Conference of Science Journalists, extending its reach to journalists throughout Europe.  All those attending the Conference are invited to attend the annual ABSW Awards at Jodrell Bank (coaches will take delegates to and from Jodrell Bank after the conference), delegates can also enjoy free access to the bluedot festival taking place at Jodrell that evening after the awards ceremony finishes.

The 1st European Conference of Science Journalists was held as a satellite event to ESOF 2014 in Denmark.   The event, jointly organized by the Danish Science Journalists’ Association (DV) and the European Union of Science Journalists’ Associations (EUSJA), discussed new ways to improve the status of science in broadcast media, how to start your own science publication, the opportunities of investigative journalism, the ethical balance between science journalism and science communication and new initiatives for improvement of gender balance for science in the media.

The 2nd European Conference of Science Journalists, organized by the Hungarian Club of Science Journalists and EUSJA, was held in Budapest as part of the World Science Forum in 2015.   The conference examined stakeholder-driven communication, the communication of infectious diseases, the reporting of climate change and the role of the journalist as an entrepreneur.

The 3rd ECSJ has four key aims:

• To discuss and debate contemporary issues in science journalism

• To encourage and provide skills for newcomers

• To promote professional development

• To enable journalists to link with colleagues, encouraging journalistic entrepreneurship

The ABSW and EUSJA look forward to welcoming you to Manchester to meet with colleagues old and new and discover the common themes and issues affecting science journalists today and into the future.

MJA Members can register at the same discounted rate as members of the ABSW (£75 plus VAT) – just select this category when you register.

For the programme, speaker details, registration and more visit the ECSJ pages on the ABSW website.

Why not extend your visit and stay for ESOF?  Journalists, science writers and communication professionals are eligible for media accreditation, which offers complimentary registration. There will also be travel grants available for journalists – find out more

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The 7th edition of the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) comes to the UK for the first time later this year.  From 24th – 27th July many of the biggest names in the scientific world will arrive in Manchester, a city with impressive scientific credentials – it was home to Dalton, Rutherford, Joule and Turing.

Now well established; the conference attracts a global following with participants from all over the world.  We are expecting Manchester to be the biggest ESOF to date attracting more contributors and delegates than ever before.  The forum also attracts several hundred science journalists as well as communications professionals with topical sessions and breaking news, as those at the forefront of their industries discuss the latest research and ideas that are set to revolutionise our world.

Members of the press, science writers and communications professionals are eligible for media accreditation, which offers complimentary registration – more details of the application process can be found on esof.eu. 

Registration includes:

• Admission to all ESOF 2016 conference sessions from Sunday 24th – Wednesday 27th July

• The social programme including: the Opening Ceremony and Exhibition Opening (Sunday), ESOF Party (Monday), Media Reception (Tuesday),  Closing Ceremony (Wednesday)

• A series of press conferences, media briefings and press points

• Off-site press tours

• Access to the dedicated media centre with full business centre facilities (workstations, printers, hardwire internet access etc.)

• Digital media library (press releases, image gallery and video files – including access to embargoed content in advance)

• Conference app with complete programme information including all presented abstracts

• Conference materials including delegate badge and conference bag

• Complimentary lunch, plus tea and coffee throughout the day

• Free internet access

Please follow @esof2016 for updates and all our latest news.

Alongside the main conference there will a public festival bringing the city alive with science.  This exciting visual festival will bring together those inside and out the conference through public talks, interactive demonstrations and live experiments and will help to introduce science to a new generation. There will be many of opportunities for the media to get stuck in and engage with those taking part in the conference and festival – as well as regular press conferences with contributors and specially designed media events to give behind the scenes access to some of Manchester’s most advanced and exciting laboratories and research centres.

Manchester is delighted to welcome EUSJA delegates to the city and we hope that you will find your visit illuminating, productive and enjoyable.  Further information on Manchester can be found at visitmanchester.com