We need your help creating great NASW craft-focused sessions and plenaries for the in-person ScienceWriters2024 conference in Raleigh and ScienceWriters2024 "Early Access" in October, along with CASW “Science + Science Writing” sessions.

The deadline for proposal submissions was March 14. Thank you to all who proposed a session!

Submit an NASW session proposal
Propose a CASW "Science + Science Writing" session

Submit an NASW session proposal

Each year, member volunteers with the NASW Programs Committee work hard to develop a slate of professional development sessions that reflects the broad and varied interests of our membership. The chosen sessions directly reflect the depth, breadth, and quality of proposals received.

Topics and audience

We rely on your efforts to ensure a diversity of topics so that all members—educators, journalists, public information officers, staffers, freelancers, students, writers, editors, broadcasters, podcasters, early career, late career, first-time registrants, and frequent attendees—can find something to fit their needs. Sessions can be targeted at a specific experience level (e.g., a master class or a workshop for beginners); a specific job role (e.g., investigative journalists, multimedia producers, institutional writers, newsroom leaders, fact checkers); a specific type of writing or practice area (e.g., narratives, infographics, news writing, video/radio scripts; or they can be creatively designed in such a way as to be more broadly applicable to the larger mission and shared interests of all NASW members.

Format

We encourage applicants to consider different session formats (e.g. multi-person panel; interactive breakouts) and any needs/limitations for audio/visual technology and accessibility. Please also consider whether you are open to leading your session either for the November in-person program or the October virtual program. (For an idea of previous session offerings, visit the archived program at ScienceWriters2022.org and ScienceWriters2023.org).

Speakers

In addition to encouraging diversity in topics, the Programs Committee seeks a wide range of voices on the program at ScienceWriters2024. While we realize that applicants may not be able to confirm panelists before a proposal has been accepted, proposals should demonstrate that thought has been given toward identifying potential speakers—with the following guidelines in mind to support a diverse and inclusive conference:

• As a general rule, speakers should appear in only one session at the conference. (The Programs Committee will alert organizers if the same speaker has been identified for different sessions.)
• We strongly encourage proposals that include speakers who have not participated in recent sessions.
• We aim to create a program whose participants are diverse in multiple facets. Sessions need not be panels. Any proposed panels should include speakers from underrepresented groups and showcase diversity in job roles (both within and outside the field of science writing) and geographic location (both within and outside the U.S.). Any proposed session with a panel that lacks diversity considerations will receive a lower score and be less likely to be picked.
• Limited funding is available for speaker travel to attract those who would not normally attend or in cases where there is financial need. Limited travel funding is also available for session organizers where there is financial need.

The experience

Organizing a workshop can be a fun and valuable experience that connects you with science writers and experts in other fields. You don't need to be an expert yourself. Consider volunteering your time today to make an idea reality. Successful proposals will be notified by May 15. Details of the session and confirmed speaker list will be due in late June. Organizers and speakers receive complimentary registration to the meeting.

Deadline

Submit by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 14.

Curious about what makes a great proposal? Check out this resource from the Program Committee.

Propose a CASW "Science + Science Writing" session

Science writers are invited to propose a special session to discuss challenges or issues in covering science as part of CASW’s New Horizons in Science program. Drawing on current topics in the news, "S+SW" sessions are intended as case studies of issues at the intersection of science, communication, and journalism. They also are intended to provide opportunities for open conversation between scientists and writers on topics that are controversial, ethically fraught, or otherwise difficult. Up to three selected sessions will be interwoven with the New Horizons science presentations.

Guidelines

• CASW plans for the Science + Science Writing sessions to be given in person during the Raleigh conference.
• Three people plus the moderator is a good number for a panel. Proposed presenters should include at least one scientist and at least one science writer/communicator and can include discussants from outside those communities. Diverse—even divergent—voices, identities, opinions, and perspectives will make for a more engaging and fruitful discussion. Include affiliations, links to personal websites, and notes about the distinct perspective each speaker will bring to the topic. Proposals do not need to have confirmed speakers, but please indicate whether speakers have been contacted and have agreed to participate.
• Submissions should explain why the topic proposed is both interesting and timely in its own right and why it will serve as a case study that has broader relevance for science writers covering other fields.
• S+SW session organizers will be expected to moderate their session or to propose a moderator, who will be responsible for holding speakers to their allotted times. The CASW New Horizons Program Director will work with session moderators and speakers to refine the session plan, make necessary arrangements, and help manage the session. CASW will reimburse session participants for selected travel costs if they do not have other support for their travel to ScienceWriters2024. Organizers, moderators and panelists receive complimentary registration.

Additional guidelines, advice, and examples and recordings of past S+SW sessions are available on the submission page.

Deadline

Submit by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 14.