Skip Navigation

Sub-Saharan Africa

Practical Guides

Here is a list of the latest articles

How to be an investigative science journalist

Investigative journalism is rewarding but requires vigilance, determination and preparation. K. S. Jayaraman shares tips from his career.

30 March 2013 | EN | ES | FR

Using a smartphone to record

Using digital tools for journalism

Science journalist Lynne Smit is your guide to the digital research and publishing tools that are changing the working lives of journalists.

3 December 2012 | EN | ES

Journalists visit CIMMYT in Mexico

How to report from visits and field trips

Journalist Tan Shiow Chin shares tips for getting the best out of visits to scientists in their natural habitats.

12 September 2012 | EN | ES

Journalists, Liberia

How to report science in local languages

Reporting science meaningfully in local languages requires more than a good dictionary. Bothina Osama shares tips on what works.

8 June 2012 | EN | ES | FR

Calculator, pen and calendar

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

hand writing on notepad

How do I become a science journalist?

K. S. Jayaraman gives some basic tips on starting off in the world of science journalism.

15 February 2008 | EN | 中文

pen writing on paper

Planning and writing a science story

Professional science journalism means finding an engaging story, structuring your piece and accepting editorial revisions, says Jan Lublinski

14 February 2008 | EN | ES | 中文

magnifying glass over text

Spotting fraudulent claims in science

How do journalists know if a scientist's claim is true? Julie Clayton helps reporters check the quality of claims, and spot the fraudsters.

13 February 2008 | EN | ES | 中文

Person wearing medical gloves holding vials.

How do I apply for a research grant?

What will give you the best chance of getting a research grant? Thomas Egwang explains.

13 February 2008 | EN

Global warming fraud poster

Reporting on controversies in science

Scientific controversy is fascinating, but do you ensure the reportage is responsible, accurate and interesting? Tim Radford explains.

12 February 2008 | EN | ES | 中文