Thematic Sessions IV. a. When politics and science collide, should science journalists pick a side?
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Thematic Sessions IV. a. When politics and science collide, should science journalists pick a side?
Organised by: World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ)
Venue: Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Library Conference Hall
Abstract:
Across the world, politicians are interfering in science to further ideological or political aims. They ignore, suppress, defund or outright stop research in areas like climate change, environmental conservation, vaccination, gun violence, or gender studies. Some even make up their own hurricane projections. This session explores whether and how science journalists should adapt to this trend.
Should they stick to reporting news on scientific advances and leave politics to colleagues from the political desk?
Should they picture science as apolitical, or should they reveal the politics behind the scenes?
Should they remain impartial observers, or should they become advocates for science? What could be lost if they did?
Mimicking a “House of Commons,” this session will cast audience members as parliamentarians, putting debate front and centre. Moderators will encourage all participants to think about motions, express opinions and try to convince opponents. Arguments will fly, and at times the crowd might even erupt in a roaring “Hear hear!”
Moderators (confirmed):
Peter Vermij, Strategic Advisor, Bird's Eye Communications
Kai Kupferschmidt, Freelance science writer, contributing correspondent for Science magazine, WFSJ
Rapporteur:
Enikő Kubinyi, senior researcher, Eötvös Loránd University
Photo:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJLNvT7More
World Science Forum 2019, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Library Conference Hall
Categories
Science and society
Keywords
wsf2019
Peter Vermij (moderator)
Kai Kupferschmidt (moderator)
1:28:39
Date of recording
22 November, 2019
Uploaded by
Videotorium admin
Date of uploading
5 December, 2019
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