Obama, source of inspiration for science journalists

January 20, 2009 posted in Conferences

In London , today, at the launch of the programme for the 2009 World Conference of Science Journalists which will be held in London next June, Pallab Ghosh, president of the World Federation of Science Journalists, called on science journalists to make sure science benefits all humanity.

“We can ensure that Science and Technology is used to empower all - not to profit the few. And as individuals, through our reporting, we can make a difference”, said Mr. Ghosh, Science Correspondent for BBC News.

The launch of the programme of the London World Conference of Science Journalists coincided with the inauguration of President Barack Obama. “He has immense challenges ahead of him … But his presence inside the White House reminds us in these gloomy pessimistic times that the actions of an individual can help change the World”, added Mr. Ghosh.

In London , Ms. Fiona Fox, Chair of the WCSJ2009 Programme Committee, thanked all those who made the programme come together. See the programme of the upcoming 6th World Conference of Science Journalists , in London ( UK ), 29th June to 2nd July 2009.

Key organizers of the London World Conference as well as members of the Board of the World Federation will be attending the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 12-16 February 2009, in Chicago .

Excerpts from speech of Mr. Pallab Ghosh:

"First of all Welcome to the official launch of the World Federation of Science Journalists conference – to be held in London starting 30 June,

A special welcome and thanks to those of you who've helped organise – what I know will be a fantastic conference.

And Welcome to our colleagues from France whose association recently became members of the World Federation.

I would like to say a few words about the conference – but if you'll indulge me could I just say how thrilled I am that 53 years after Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a White passenger in Montgomery , Alabama Barack Obama is now the 44th President of the United States !

He has immense challenges ahead of him and who knows whether he will lead and inspire or whether he will falter.

But his mere presence outside the White House this afternoon reminds us all- in these gloomy, pessimistic times - that the principled actions of an individual can help change the World!

I mention this at the launch of the World Federation Conference because we as Science Journalists are playing our part - to do what we can - for the betterment of science, society and the environment for future generations.

It might seem presumptuous to compare our activities with that of the US civil rights movement. But what we as journalists do in our scrutiny of one of the most powerful drivers of change - Science and Technology – is important.

It's crucial in determining how that power is used.

We – the international community of science journalists - can ensure that Science and Technology is used to empower all - not to profit the few.

And as individuals through our reporting we can make a difference.

Two years ago exactly at the ABSW (Association of British Science Writers) AGM (Annual General Assembly), I spoke to Julie Clayton about bringing the World Federation Conference to London .

We wanted to bring hundreds of journalists from all over the world – here to London – to show off our journalism – our newspapers, magazines and broadcasting – we have so much to offer. But also to learn from our colleagues.

We also wanted it to be a conference that bought together the immense talents that we have in Britain .

Nature, New Scientist, the national press, the BBC. The Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust. The Science Media Centre, our research councils.

We've all got together to showcase British science and British Science Journalism.

And in just over 5 months time that's exactly what we will do.

We're doing this to raise professional standards.

We need to organise ourselves, develop ourselves as professionals, share best practice

- and together promote the cause of science journalism across the World.

Our profession faces its challenges. In developing and emerging countries our profession is starved of resources and training.

In OECD countries with advertising budgets being squeezed it's being seen as a luxury. Experienced staff reporters are being replaced by younger general reporters who will unquestioningly report whatever their news desks tell them to.

We are in danger of moving backward to the “Gee-Whizz” age of science non-journalism.

The World Federation is important in setting and defending our values. Our Conference is for us to come together and determine our own destiny.

And like Rosa Parks each of us can make a contribution and by coming together we can and will help make the world a better place.

Pallab Ghosh
Science Correspondent
BBC News