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Credit: Balkan Network of Science Journalists
The Balkan Network of Science Journalists and the European Federation for Science Journalism are launching a new science journalism guide, this time in Romanian.
From the Field: A Science Journalist's Handbook is the result of a collective effort by more than 20 Romanian journalists and content creators who dedicated their time and expertise to build a 138-page document designed to help journalists navigate the complex world of science reporting.
The guide was coordinated by science journalists Andrada Fiscutean and Cristina Radu and is a must-read for both aspiring and seasoned professionals.
It offers a comprehensive exploration of key topics in science journalism, from understanding the scientific process and interpreting research findings to navigating the intersection of science, politics, and policy. Readers will find information on how to critically analyze scientific papers, use data visualization, and tackle mis- and disinformation.
Additionally, the guide offers insights into ethical considerations, emphasizes the importance of source diversity, and includes practical tips for launching a career in science journalism.
"We're humbled and grateful for the tremendous effort and dedication of everyone involved in this project," said Andrada Fiscutean, one of the guide's coordinators. "Their contributions have created a resource that will support the next generation of science journalists."
The editors see this guide as a living document that will evolve over time. They encourage contributions from the science journalism community to keep the content relevant, adapting to emerging challenges and advancements in the field.
"We invite the entire local science journalism community to contribute their insights and experiences to help keep the guide relevant and up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in the field," said Cristina Radu. "We also encourage anyone interested in contributing to reach out to us directly."
The Romanian science journalism guide is available on the BNSJ and EFSJ websites. Publication of the guide was made possible through the support of EurekAlert!, a science news release platform operated by the non-profit American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
"This project demonstrates the commitment and passion Romanian science journalists have for their profession and craft," said Brian Lin, director of editorial content strategy at EurekAlert!. "We are grateful to have been a small part of making this valuable resource available to everyone in the community.”
The initiative has previously brought science journalism guides to life in Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian. This year, the project continues with an Albanian edition, while next year promises exciting new releases in Greek and Turkish.
"The Romanian guide is the most ambitious one in this series to date, bringing together so many science journalists to share their skills and expertise," said Mićo Tatalović, a board member of the Balkan Network of Science Journalists, who has been coordinating the project.
"It shows that some countries in the region have a really strong community of high-quality science journalists, and leaves us feeling optimistic about the future of science reporting in the region."