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Practical Guides

Here is a list of the latest articles

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How to question numbers

Linda Nordling on how questioning numbers in policy statements gives journalists credibility and clout — and reveals new stories.

8 March 2012 | EN | ES | FR

Figure with a question mark

How to tell policymakers about scientific uncertainty

Uncertainty is part of science but it's no excuse for indecision. Chandrika Nath shows how to communicate uncertainty to policymakers.

20 January 2012 | EN | ES | FR

Journalist

Navigating science PR in African institutions

Guidance on how science media officers can put African science on the map with balanced and effective reporting.

Source: Wellcome Trust

23 December 2011 | EN

Journalist in Haiti

Beyond press releases: How to dig up science stories

Marina Joubert shows you how to source good science stories, from what to do with press releases to networking for exclusives.

27 October 2011 | EN | ES | FR

Icons of social media applications

How scientists can reach out with social media

The world needs scientists to bring science to life. Jennifer Rohn with tips on how researchers can use social media to engage new audiences.

11 August 2011 | EN | ES | FR

Nepalese man reading a newspaper

How to write about your science

Tips from Marina Joubert on how to switch from writing for science to writing about it — and reach a much wider audience.

31 May 2011 | EN | ES | FR

A researcher among a bank of DNA analysis machines

Keeping genomics in perspective

Reporting healthcare genomics in the real world — tips from K.S. Jayaraman on uncovering hype, tackling the issues and staying relevant.

17 December 2010 | EN | ES | FR

U.S. Army medical researchers take part in World Malaria Day

Progress or PR? How to report clinical trials

T.V. Padma shows you how to separate real progress from hype and challenge poor practice when you're reporting on the conduct and outcomes of a clinical trial.

30 September 2010 | EN | ES

Interactive exhibit at Singapore Science Museum

How to run a successful science outreach event

Advice for science educators on how to design and run an engaging science outreach event.

Source: Institute of Research for Development (IRD)

10 August 2010 | EN

Muscle cells grown from embryonic stem cells

Reporting embryonic stem cell science

Luisa Massarani offers tips on how to navigate your way through the highly controversial world of embryonic stem cell research.

10 June 2010 | EN | ES | FR | 中文

How to report on evolutionary science

Whether on 'biotech' or human history, your reporting needs sensitivity and clarity when it comes to evolution, says Mohammed Yahia.

17 March 2010 | EN | ES | FR | 中文

Logging in Papua New Guinea

Navigating your way around a REDD story

Tips for journalists reporting on issues surrounding the proposed scheme to pay developing countries to protect their forests.

Source: Panos London

16 December 2009 | EN

Gearing up to report on the Copenhagen climate talks

Background information for journalists about the Copenhagen climate change summit, along with potential sticking points and outcomes.

Source: IIED

24 November 2009 | EN | 中文

HIV journalism

The A–Z of HIV/AIDS reporting

Guidance on HIV/AIDS reporting, from selling a story to your editor to a 'who's who' of the HIV/AIDS world.

Source: The Kaiser Family Foundation

28 October 2009 | EN

How to report a disease outbreak or pandemic

Sensationalism is no substitute for sound science when reporting disease outbreaks, say Fang Xuanchang, Jia Hepeng and Katherine Nightingale.

9 October 2009 | EN | ES | FR | 中文

Making science count in policy

Ideas on how scientists can make sure their research becomes part of the policymaking process.

Source: NERC

1 October 2009 | EN

Using research findings to write better stories

Tips on how journalists can find, understand and use research findings to add weight to their stories.

Source: Panos

26 August 2009 | EN | 中文

How researchers can stand up for science

A look at how the media reports science and pointers on how researchers can get in engaged to fight poor science coverage.

Source: Sense About Science

22 July 2009 | EN

How to report on science policy

Announcements about changes in science policy don't always tell the full story. Linda Nordling shows how to report the facts behind the spin.

18 June 2009 | EN | ES | FR

How to publicise scientific research

Guidance on how press officers can promote science effectively without resorting to hype, including tips on timing, objectives and audience.

Source: Stempra

28 May 2009 | EN