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Improving media coverage of African research
Workshop targets African press officers to help improve media coverage of African research:
Organisers of a workshop taking place as part of the World Conference of Science Journalists 2011 in Doha, Qatar believe that offering opportunities for press officers from African research institutions to develop their knowledge and skills, is an important step in improving the media coverage of African science.
With the support of the Wellcome Trust, Stempra, SciDev.Net and the World Conference of Science Journalists, the organisers will tap the expertise of top press officers and journalists to offer advice, discussions and networking opportunities, specifically tailored to African scientific and medical research institutions.
We spoke to Justa Wawira, the Head of External Relations at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme and who is on the organising committee for this workshop:
''For a long time African research has been reported from London and New York. That's because that's where anyone can get information out quickly. But in this workshop, we are telling African journalists that they don't have to go to New York or London to find out what is happening in their own country. The research is here, in Africa, by Africans and the African journalist needs to tell the story of Africa and beam it to the rest of the world. African press officers are a critical link in this process and that is why we are targeting them. ''
This workshop is intended to help participants to:
- persuade reserch directors and scientists of the value of media coverage
- recognize newsworthy developments
- use the media to disseminate research findings effectively
- make their stories accessible and clear without compromising accuracy
- understand how the press works
- provide journalists with what they need to cover a story
- build effective relationships with journalists
Speakers at the event include Charles Wendo, Editor of the Ugandan newspaper ''New Vision'' and Chair of the Ugandan Health Communication Alliance; Joseph Warungu, Head of the BBC World Service, Africa; Justa Wawira, Head of External Relations at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; Ruth Francis, Head of Press, Nature Publishing Group, UK; Peter Ballantyne, Head, Knowlege Management and Information Service ILRI, Ethiopia and Dr Alaa I. Ibrahim of the American University in Cairo, Egypt.
Registration for this event is US $100 or is available free to delegates at the World Conference of Science Journalists. Press officers or other staff with a media liaison role from scientific organisations in African countries can apply for a bursary to cover the cost of their travel, accomodation and registration for the World Conference of Science Journalists. Bursary places are strictly limited and the organizing committee will award the bursaries based on criteria of the potential impact of science/health developments at the candidate's place of work and the training needs for the individual. The deadline for applying for a bursary place is 31 March.
The World Conference of Science Journalists will take place from 27-29 June, 2011 and was initially to be held in Egypt but has now been moved to Doha, Qatar.
Details of the workshop can be found at: www.wcsj2011.org
Image: a stack of newspapers, Credit:jasondevilla on Flickr
To register, contact
Global Management Services Events
T+202 24039182
F+202 24017316
E+wcsj2011
gmsegypt [dot] com
For a bursary application form, contact
Dr Elspeth Bartlet
T+44 (0) 1904328834
M+44 (0) 7814664961
E elspeth [dot] bartletyork [dot] ac [dot] uk
About the Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is a a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. It supports the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. The Trust's breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health. It is independent of both political and commercial interests.
About Stempra
Stempra- the science, technology, engineering and medicine public relations association- is an informal network set up to bring together people working in science communication. It offers the opportunity for people to get together and share information and expertise through events, a newsletter and email discussion list.
About SciDev.Net
SciDev.Net- the Science and Development Network- is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing reliable and authoritative information about science and technology for the developing world. Through our website we give policy makers, researchers, the media and civil society information and a platform to explore how science and technology can reduce poverty, improve health and raise standards of living around the world.
About the World COnference of Science Journalists
On 27th June, 2011 science journalists and communicators will come together again in Cairo, Egypt for the Seventh World Conference of Science Journalists. The first meeting to take place in Africa and the Arab world, it promises to build on the previous experiences to deliver the most international WCSJ yet.