SciDev.Net

SciDev.Net is pleased to announce that Shiow Chin Tan, a Malaysian journalist, is the recipient of the second 'IDRC–SciDev.Net Science Journalism Award'.

Worth US$58,500, the award consists of a six-month internship with SciDev.Net which will allow Ms.Tan to develop her professional skills as a science journalist.

During this period she will spend time working both in the organisation's main office in London, and reporting from the developing world.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and I will do my best to make full use of it," said Tan, who covers science for a leading Malaysian daily in Kuala Lumpur. “I can’t think of a better environment than SciDev.Net to gain valuable experience and skills in science reporting.”

“We look forward to welcoming Shiow Chin Tan to the team” said David Dickson, Director of SciDev.Net. “This internship will provide her with the necessary skills to pursue her goals in science journalism – and in return we will benefit from her insights as a journalist in Malaysia.”

The 2008 Science Journalism Award attracted 156 applications from 39 developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Shiow Chin Tan was selected from a group of 4 finalists.

“We wish to thank all applicants for handing in their submissions. We were delighted with the number and quality of the applications we received,” Dickson added. “The level of interest generated by the Award highlights the need to build capacity in science communication in the developing world, and SciDev.Net is committed to helping fulfill that need."

The award is one of four granted this year by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Applications were invited by SciDev.Net from all journalists involved in science and health reporting.

Shiow Chin Tan will be based at SciDev.Net in London, United Kingdom. She will also spend time in a number of developing countries and should take part in the The Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health in November 2008 in Bamako, Mali. Two Francophone journalists will be based at Agence Science-Presse in Montreal, Canada; and a Canadian English-speaking journalist will be based at another institution. Each award will be valued at US$58,500 to cover living and travel expenses.

IDRC has created these awards to "foster a vibrant culture of science journalism" and to "promote a field-based understanding of developing countries' scientific realities", said Rita Bowry, Senior Program Officer, IDRC. “These awards will enable them to use their professional skills to report the work of scientists in the region more effectively and thus influence decision makers in their countries.”

IDRC funds the four awards through its Training and Awards Program.

IDRC is a Canadian Crown corporation that works closely with researchers from the developing world in their search for how to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies. Details can be found at: www.idrc.ca

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SciDev.Net wishes to congratulate the other shortlisted finalists: Caroline Roatta (Colombia), Joseph Othieno (Kenya) and Abiose Adelaja (Nigeria).