Program

The Digital Storyteller

Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Library Computer Lab

A workshop on how to be a world-class journalist in the digital world. Participants will work on a story while learning and using multimedia tools.

Sessions are: Quick & Cheap Tools for Multimedia Journalists, Online Data Research OR Podcasting (limit 30 participants; own audio recorders suggested), Data Vizualisation, Making a Video in 1 Hour, Screening of "Sizzle," and Q&A with "Sizzle" director Randy Olson.

This workshop will run from 09:15 to 17:00.

Producers

• Nancy Shute, National Association of Science Writers; Johns Hopkins University (USA)
• Dianne Finch, Knight Science Journalism Fellowships (USA)

Presenters

• John Bohannon, Science (USA)
• Nancy Shute, National Association of Science Writers; Johns Hopkins University (USA)
• Dianne Finch, Knight Science Journalism Fellowships (USA)
• Randy Olson, filmmaker (USA)

Reporting on Climate Change and Biodiversity

Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Lecture Hall 2

This English-language workshop for journalists from the developing world will equip them with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to report on climate change and biodiversity--how they are linked and how they affect humanity.

This workshop will run from 9:00 to 17:30 and is for journalists from developing nations only.

Producers/presenters

• Mike Shanahan, International Institute for Environment and Development (UK)
• James Fahn, Internews (USA)

Implementing a Science Journalism Curriculum

Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Lecture Hall 4

This workshop will identify best practices for science journalism instruction, with special attention to full curriculums in university settings in Arabic-speaking countries. It will build on the "Model Science Journalism Curriculum" developed at the 2007 World Congress of Science Journalists in Melbourne, Australia. Outcomes from the workshop will include a detailed report including recommendations for further action, and a proposal for a process of implementing those recommendations specifically in universities in the Arab world.

This workshop will run from 10:00-17:00.

Producer/moderator

• Bruce Lewenstein, Cornell University (USA)

Presenters

• Raghida Haddad, Al-Bia Wal-Tanmia (Lebanon)
• Khaled Hassan, Alam Rakamy (Egypt)
• Hassana Rachid, Lebanese University (Lebanon)
• Philip Hilts, Knight Science Journalism Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
• Marina Joubert, Southern Science (South Africa)
• Connie St Louis, City University (UK)
• Deborah Blum, University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)

Cancer: The Role of Journalists in Informing Attitudes and Beliefs

Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Lecture Hall 5

Myths and fatalism, together with biased information from vested interests, form a major obstacle to stemming the rising tide of suffering and death from cancer. This interactive workshop is for health, medical and science journalists who want to discuss the challenges of providing accurate information about how to avoid cancer, of covering human stories about the realities of living with cancer, and of promoting an informed debate about priorities in screening, treatment and care for the dying, where resources are limited.

Topics will include: dispelling common preconceptions and myths about cancer, including those relating to prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation and palliative care.

The workshop will focus on answering:

• How do these myths affect efforts to tackle cancer and support patients and their families?
• How can journalists challenge misconceptions and help inform the public?
• Can the World Cancer Declaration--an eleven-point tried and tested 'roadmap' for tackling cancer across the world--provide a useful framework for journalists trying to promote informed public debate and hold accountable those responsible for the nation's healthcare and public health?

This workshop will be held from 14:00-17:00 on June 26.

Producers/speakers

• Kathy Redmond, Cancer World magazine; European School of Oncology's Cancer Media Service (Switzerland)
• Anna Wagstaff, Cancer World magazine (UK)

Science Journalism Development Training for Beginning Arab-Region Journalists

Producers/presenters

• Martin Ince, author (UK)
• Safaa Kanj, Agence France-Presse (Cyprus)

18:00-19:30: Conference Welcome Reception

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar

Ahlan wasahlan! Our welcome dinner features Arabian hospitality, traditional food and local customs in a uniquely Qatari setting. Be entertained by local musicians, and make sure to have your hands decorated by traditional henna artists. See you there!

8:30-9:00: Words of Welcome

Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry

Minister Counselor, Executive Director, Research,Development and Innovation (RDI) Programme, Ministry of Scientific Research and Technology, Egypt

Mohammad Fathy Saoud

President of Qatar Foundation

Tidu Maini

Executive Chairman of Qatar Science & Technology Park

9:00-9:30: Opening keynote lecture

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

Ahmed Zewail

Unveiling Arab Science

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

Science in much of the Mideast region operates under unique cultural, economic, and religious constraints. If we are to intelligently report and write about it, we must understand these constraints - and sometimes work around them. Historical tensions between belief and reason sometimes complicate scientific inquiry here, as elsewhere. Meanwhile, both science and science reporting also face constraints imposed by autocratic cultures; a highly stratified economy; economic, educational, and infrastructure problems; a traditional lack of transparency; and relative weakness in both a scientific publishing tradition and the sorts of public-information-office pipelines that Western reporters take for granted. Even as researchers and institutions in both traditional science centers like Cairo and emerging new centers such as Saudi Arabia's KAUST seek to loosen some of these constraints, journalists writing about science here face a uniquely complicated task. We'll explore these difficulties and try to leave journalists with both useful perspective and sound practical advice.

Producers

• Moheb Costandi, freelance; Neurophilosophy (UK)
• David Dobbs, freelance (USA)

Moderator

• David Dobbs, freelance (USA)

Panelists

• Ehsan Masood, Research Fortnight (UK)
• Waleed Al-Shobakky, freelance (Qatar)
• Homayoun Kheyri, freelance; BBC World Service (Australia/Iran)
• Javaid Sheikh, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (Qatar)
• Rim Turkmani, Imperial College London (UK)

11:00-11:30: coffee break, Exhibition Area

The Underground Epidemics

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

Can journalism make a difference in the spread of infectious disease? While some epidemics like H1N1 make big news, plenty more flourish without attracting widespread media attention. This panel will explore these underground epidemics and how to cover them.

Producer

• Maryn McKenna, author (Superbug) (USA)

Moderator

• Pallab Ghosh, BBC (UK)

Panelists

• Thomas Abraham, Public Health Media Project, Hong Kong University (Hong Kong)
• Helen Branswell, Canadian Press (Canada)
• Maryn McKenna, author (USA)
• Shan Juan, China Daily (China)

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Malaria?: Using Smart Science to Defeat an Age-Old Disease

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 4

A session that will explore the ways exciting new science and new scientific partnerships are contributing to a historic campaign to control malaria.

Producers

• Elspeth Bartlet, Green Ink (UK)
• Jaya Banerji, Medicines for Malaria Venture (Switzerland)

Moderator

• Elspeth Bartlet, Green Ink (UK)

Panelists

• Jaya Banerji, Medicines for Malaria Venture (Switzerland)
• Tim Wells, Medicines for Malaria Venture (Switzerland)
• Kelly Chibale, University of Cape Town (South Africa)

Investigating Pseudoscience

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

Is pseudoscience dangerous for society? Why should journalists investigate it? Isn't dealing with pseudoscience the scientists' job? This panel will discuss the issues surrounding pseudoscience, its effects, what happens when pseudoscience is allowed to flourish unchecked, and who has the right to decide what is and is not science.

Producer/moderator

• Tatiana Pichugina, STRF.ru (Russia)

Panelists

• Alexander Sergeev, Vokrug sveta (Russia)
• Kendrick Frazier, Skeptical Inquirer (USA)
• István Vágó, TV2 Television (Hungary)
• Alejandro Agostinelli, freelance (Argentina)

How Science Journalists Can Use Digital Media to Tell Complex Stories

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

Science journalists can use new, digital media tools to tell complex stories in simpler, more compelling ways (basically using data visualisation, including on mobile). We'll be looking at how we can build dynamic communities / social networks around issues or stories using digital media. We'll also take a look at how we can use geo-locative media to localise and customise complex stories so they have maximum personal impact. And finally, we'll hear about how we can Gov 2.0 data journalism techniques for turning raw numbers / statistics into compelling narratives.

Producers

• Lynne Smit, Of Course Media (South Africa)
• Justin Arenstein (South Africa)

Moderator

• Christina Scott, South African Broadcasting Organization (South Africa)

Panelists

• Justin Arenstein (South Africa)
• Marcus Herbert, BBC Scotland (UK)
• Kate Arkless Gray, Audioboo (UK)

So You Want to Publish a Popular Science Book?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 5

Advice from successful book authors, exploring everything from whether you need an agent, tips on good proposals, and information on marketing a book to improve its chances of success.

Producer/moderator

• Lynne Friedmann, Friedmann Communications (USA)

Panelists

• Valeria Roman, author (Argentina)
• David Dobbs, author (USA)
• George Zarkadakis, author (Greece)
• Jennifer Ouellette, author (USA)

Uses of the Past: History of Science as a Tool for Science Journalists

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 6

Science journalism seems to be irreducibly present-and-future oriented. Stories about science turn on results achieved now, with the significance of such stories deriving from the implications of each new discovery for answers to come and advances to be made in human well being. But all of science builds on past work, and one of the best tools a science journalist has at his or her disposal lies with a variety of approaches to that historical record. In this panel, three historians and/or reporters will explore the many uses of the past in the making of great contemporary science stories.

Producer/moderator

• Thomas Levenson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)

Panelists

• Deborah Blum, University of Wisconsin; author (USA)
• Jo Marchant, author (UK)
• Holly Tucker, Vanderbilt University; author (USA)
• Reto Schneider, NZZ Folio (Switzerland)

Asian Voice of Science Journalism

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 7

This session will discuss the rise of Asian science journalism, the networking of science journalists in the continents and the feasibility & implementation of an Asia-wide SjCoop project.

Producer/moderator

• Hepeng Jia, China Science Reporting Network (China)

Panelists

• Nguyen Dang Vulong, Viet Nam Investment Review (Vietnam)
• T V Padma, SciDev.Net (India)
• Mariko Takahashi, Asahi Shimbun (Japan)

Discussant

• Richard Stone, Science (China)

Putting Cancer on the Global Health Agenda

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

All health, medical and science journalists are invited to join a panel of leading cancer clinicians, policy makers and journalists in a lunchtime session to explore the questions: What can journalists do to bring cancer out of the shadow of fear and into light of understanding? How can we help break the taboos and stigma surrounding cancer, which isolate patients and their families and leave their stories untold? What can we do to help challenge outdated and fatalistic assumptions that early detection and effective treatment are things that only richer countries--or richer families--could ever afford? With less than 1% of global health funding going towards this disease, which kills more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB combined, how can journalists help give cancer the public health priority it deserves?

Main Speaker

• David Kerr, University of Oxford (UK)

Panelists

• Cary Adams, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) (Switzerland)
• Anna Wagstaff, Cancer World (UK)
• Mohammed Yahia, Nature Middle East (Egypt)

Moderator

• Kathy Redmond, European School of Oncology (Cancer Media Service) (Italy)

About the Sponsor

While its principal role is educating oncology professionals, ESO also organises international workshops for journalists, to help them challenge the taboos that isolate cancer patients and their families, and to equip them to examine unfounded assumptions about the potential for detecting and treating cancer, even in countries with few resources.

Cultural Treasures Under the Water in the Mediterranean Sea

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

For several thousand years, people of the Mediterranean region have lost ships and a huge array of cultural treasure to the sea. Now, archeologists from countries around the rim are discovering these treasures at a faster rate than ever, using new technology and methods--including DNA analysis to determine the contents of amphorae--to find the meaning of the lost cargoes. Three marine archeologists will describe their experiences, and talk about new possibilities for cooperation in underwater archeology.

Moderator

• Phil Hilts, Knight Science Journalism Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)

Panelists

• Brendan Foley, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) (USA)
• A. Harun Ozdas, Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology (Turkey)

About the Sponsor

Since 1983, MIT's Knight Science Journalism Program has offered fellowships to experienced science journalists. The 9 month fellowship provides them the opportunity to increase their understanding of science, technology, medicine and the environment by taking classes from leading researchers at MIT and Harvard.

Energy, Water and Food Nexus: The Science of Optimization and Sustainability

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

Energy, water, and food are tightly interlinked and affected by a variety of socio-economic as well as environmental constraints. About 70% of the world's fresh water supply goes to agriculture, while renewable sources of water are fast depleting. The immense energy demands of agriculture also exert upward pressure on food prices due to escalating energy prices. As water tables fall globally, land degradation expands, and the world's population grows to 8-9 billion by 2050, enhanced natural resources management will be essential to increase sustainable agricultural production and to improve global food security.

The panel will discuss the Energy, Water and Food nexus and how research, innovation and technology breakthroughs in any of the three areas would affect the other. Furthermore, the panel discussion will focus on how policy goes hand-in-hand with practical programs and initiatives to develop a sustainable model for energy, water, and food production and consumption. Last but not least, the panel will touch on the strategy of Qatar National Food Security Programme that addresses the sustainability of resources and food security challenges.

Moderator

• Shiulie Ghosh, Al Jazeera English Channel (Qatar)

Speakers

• Fahad Al Attiya, Qatar National Food Security Programme (Qatar)
• Tony Allan, Kings College London (UK)
• Rabi Mohtar, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qatar)
• Patrick Linke, Qatar National Food Security Programme (Qatar)

About the Sponsor

Qatar National Food Security Programme (QNFSP) was established in 2008 by His Highness the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. QNFSP is consisting of an inter-governmental Task Force to develop the Food Security Master Plan for the State of Qatar. The Master Plan will layout a sustainable solution that will be implemented by the executive branch of the Qatari government through QNFSP Task Force. Implementation of the Master Plan will assist Qatar in the fulfillment of the goals and objectives set by the Qatar National Vision (QNV) of 2030, leading to Human, Social, Economic and Environmental development.

Bioethics in the Media

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 6

Ethical issues raised by scientific research pose a serious challenge to science journalists. The analysis of the media coverage of the Terry Schiavo case and a similar case in Italy will be the starting point of a discusssion about the role of the media in shaping the public debate on bioethics. We will also discuss how to use "precision journalism" in covering this topic.

Producer

• Daniela Ovadia, Science Writers in Italy; Agency Zoe of Scientific Information (Italy)

Moderator

• Jon Cohen, freelance (USA)

Panelists

• Gianna Milano, freelance (Italy)
• Eric Racine, Institut de recherches cliniques (Canada)
• Joe Palca, National Public Radio (USA)
• Daniela Ovadia, Science Writers in Italy; Agency Zoe of Scientific Information (Italy)

Entrepreneurial Science Journalism

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

What to do after all that training in science journalism? Just how is the next generation of science journalists surviving and making a dent in dissemination of scientific information? What does a journalist/scientist/web-geek/entrepreneur look like? Can we design the perfect digital science news media model? This session will explore these questions as well as look at what employment avenues are currently being pursued by the newcomer into the science media industry, what new avenues are worth pursuing and what extra-curricular skills set is essential for survival. It will discuss whether journalists should slog it out alone or whether the chances for survival are better in forming hyperlocal/hyperniche news media and/or other innovative science news networks.

Producer/moderator

• Alison Binney, New Science Journalism Project (Australia)

Panelists

• Adam Tinworth, RBI (UK)
• Howard Hudson, European Journalism Centre (The Netherlands)
• Subhra Priyadarshini, India portal, Nature Publishing Group (India)
• Sanday Chongo Kabange, freelance (Zambia)

Under the Pressure Cooker: How Information Professionals Communicate Big Stories

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

Standing at the crossroads of journalism and public relations, how do writers, editors and communications managers working for science academies, government agencies and international organizations deal with the challenges posed by worldwide media relations--particularly when an issue generates a great deal of debate and, as a result, a great deal of media attention? This sessions will look at three recent examples: the release at the United Nations of the InterAcademy Council's report examining the processes and procedures of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); efforts on the part of CERN's communications office to respond to the media about the difficulties CERN experienced in launching the Large Hadron Collider (LHC); and media queries concerning the South African Academy of Sciences' report on the state of Ph.D. training in South Africa's universities.

Producers

• Daniel Schaffer, TWAS (Italy)
• William Skane, US National Academy of Sciences (USA)

Moderator

• Daniel Schaffer, TWAS (Italy)

Panelists

• William Kearney, US National Academy of Sciences (USA)
• James Gillies, CERN (France)
• Roseanne Diab, Academy of Science of South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

Commentator

• Ehsan Masood, Research Fortnight (UK)

The Risk of Risk Reporting

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 5

Is there a way to face risk scientifically? Journalists covering risk know that there are many possible approaches, and there is often a gap between what scientists recommend and what individuals - including journalists - feel appropriate. The panel will address the many factors that typically influence - and frequently distort - the perception of risk.

Producer

• Fabio Turone, Science Writers in Italy; Agency Zoe of Scientific Information (Italy)

Moderator

• Wilson da Silva, Cosmos (Australia)

Panelists

• David Ropeik, Harvard (USA)
• Fabio Turone, Science Writers in Italy; Agency Zoe of Scientific Information (Italy)
• Akin Jimoh, Development Communications Network (Nigeria)

How to Build and Maintain Science Journalists Associations

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

This session will offer the opportunity to hear from well established associations and nascent ones. Representatives from associations of science journalists will share with you their challenges and successes. You will hear from the Arab Association of Science Journalists (ASJA), the obstacles this group of science journalists went through to be the first association in the developing World to co-host the World Conference of Science journalists.

The session will also be an opportunity to know about the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) and the National Association of Science Writers (NASW). Not only these two associations have a long history of accomplishments but both survived successfully the organization of the World Conference of Science Journalists.

The African Federation of Science Journalists (AFSJ), The Cameroon Association of Science Journalists and Communicators (SciLife) and the Uganda Science Journalists Association (USJA) will describe how they succeeded to maintain their associations and how it was challenging to carry out their core assignments of networking and enhancing Science journalism in Africa.

Producer

• Olfa Labassi, World Federation of Science Journalists (Canada)

Moderator

• Frank Nuijens, Delta; Delft Outlook; World Federation of Science Journalists (The Netherlands)

Panelists

• Connie St Louis, City University (UK)
• Erin Kapp, University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)
• Diran Onifade, Nigerian Television Authority (Nigeria)
• Pélagie Ng'onana, La Nouvelle Expression; SciLife (Cameroon)
• William Odinga Balikuddembe, S&T Magazine (Uganda)
• Magdy Said, Arab Science Journalists Association (Egypt)

Warriors Against Claptrap: Are Myth-Busters the New Generation of Civic Scientists?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 4

Should we all confront bad science? Will it create public scepticism or cynicism? What impact does myth-busting have on how science is reported and do journalists have a civic role to respond to pseudoscience? Evidence-hunting scientists and campaigns debunking medical myths and product claims have attracted widespread media attention. The panel will discuss the impact of myth-busting campaigns that have captured public imagination and whether this is creating a new generation of civic-minded scientists. The panel will also address what impact these campaigns and their coverage have on public debates about science and science policy. How can journalists work with scientists to encourage the public to challenge pseudoscience and become citizen scientists?

Producer

• Julia Wilson, Sense About Science (UK)

Moderator

• Leonor Sierra, Sense About Science (UK)

Panelists

• Pallab Ghosh, BBC (UK)
• Ylann Schemm, Elsevier (The Netherlands)
• Alaa I Ibrahim, American University in Cairo (Egypt)
• Julia Wilson, Sense About Science (UK)

Picture This: The Art and Craft of Science Story Telling in Film

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 7

Producer/moderator

• Nancy Shute, National Association of Science Writers; Johns Hopkins University (USA)

Panelists

• Anna Wexler, freelance (Israel)
• Randy Olson, filmmaker (USA)
• John Bohannon, Science (USA)

15:45-16:15: coffee break, Exhibition Area

16:30-18:00: afternoon plenary

Evolution in the Evolving World of Journalism

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

Do science journalists still tiptoe around covering evolution for political reasons? This panel will present perspectives from journalists who cover evolution and evolutionary science on how to cover an established area of science that can still bring social, religious, and even governmental reaction down on a reporter.

Producer

• Valeria Roman, Clarin (Argentina)

Moderator

• Mariette DiChristina, Scientific American; NASW (USA)

Panelists

• Eugenie Scott, National Center for Science Education (USA)
• Elsabe Brits, DieBurger (South Africa)
• Valeria Roman, Clarin (Argentina)
• Salman Hameed, Hampshire College (USA)

18:00-19:30: SciDev.Net's Networking Event at WCSJ2011

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Exhibition Area

All journalists are invited to the networking event of SciDev.Net. You will have a chance to talk with SciDev.Net's director, David Dickson, and the new head of business development, Tracy Irvine. There will be refreshments and a chance to mingle with our editors, regional coordinators, freelancers and science communicators from around the world.

We will be at our booth throughout the conference with AlphaGalileo, the Internet press centre for European science, medicine and technology.

18:00-20:00: Mocktail Reception hosted by Qatar Foundation

Qatar Science & Technology Park

Qatar Foundation evening reception will take place at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) building. It will allow delegates to meet with key scientists, researchers and businesses that are currently working within the science sector as part of QF. There will be demonstrations and short tours by a selection of tenants: Qatar Robotic Surgery Center (QRSC), ExxonMobil the Pan-Arab TV Series Stars of Science, Total Research Center – Qatar and Williams Technology.

• 18:00 - Coaches at the entrance to the Student Center and will take you to QSTP.
• 18:30 - All guests arrive at QSTP location. Brief intro to QF followed by a networking session.
• 19:15 - 19:30 - Demonstrations and short tours. Demo start times by five minute intervals.
• 19:45 - 20:15 - Coaches will return delegates to hotels.

If you would like to join the tour the evening mocktail and networking session on Monday 27th June at 18.00 - 20.00, please contact Patsy Bateman on pbateman@qf.org.qa or call +974 4454 0997. Your name, publication and contact details will be needed to reserve your place.

9:00-9:30: Keynote lecture

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

Alan Leshner

CEO, American Association for the Advancement of Science

9:30-11:00: Opening plenary

Am I a Science Journalist?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

In the evolving world of science communication, how do we define a science journalist? This panel will discuss whether the venerable word "journalist" can or should be applied to some, all, or none of the new generation of science bloggers and educators who are remaking the field.

Producer/moderator

• Chris Mooney, Discover; Point of Inquiry (USA)

Panelists

• Ed Yong, Not Exactly Rocket Science (UK)
• Moheb Costandi, Neurophilosophy (UK)
• Homayoun Kheyri, freelance; BBC World Service (Australia/Iran)
• Cristine Russell, Council for the Advancement of Science Writing; Harvard Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (USA)

11:00-11:30: coffee break, Exhibition Area

Clinical Trials in Developing Countries: Undue Exploitation or Mutual Benefit?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

According to some estimates, the global market for pharmaceuticals will reach US$1.1 trillion by 2014. In an industry this huge, and in its interactions with society, journalists can find an almost unlimited number of issues worthy of coverage. This session will focus on one of those issues. The randomized, controlled clinical trial is the gold standard in medical research. But recruiting research subjects to those clinical trials is one of the most costly aspects of drug development, and global pharmaceutical companies are having increasing difficulty identifying treatment-naive patients in developed countries. They've begun conducting trials in developing nations not only for that reason, but also because regulatory bodies in these nations increasingly demand evidence that medicines are safe and effective specifically among their own citizens, who differ by ethnicity, nutrition, and other factors from citizens in developed countries. Clinical trials in developing countries may bring the promise of advanced medical science and access to the latest medications, but critics have documented a number of ethical lapses, and some critics have labeled this practice "pharmaceutical colonialism." In this session journalists will have the opportunity to develop a nuanced view of the important issues surrounding clinical trials and the risks and benefits they bring to citizens of developing countries. Attendees will emerge with tools and sources that will help them evaluate clinical trials in their own countries.

Producer/moderator

• Robert Finn, International Medical News Group (USA)

Panelists

• Sonia Shah, freelance (Australia/USA)
• Ames Dhai, Witwaterstrand University (South Africa)
• Mona Khanna, Fox Chicago News, WFLD; Department of Medicine, University of Illinois (USA)

Let's Get Physical

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 6

The science of physics is one of the most important in explaining the world around us - from oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico, to technology and medical therapies, to the far-flung reaches of the universe. Yet most science journalists avoid what they consider "hard" sciences like this and so often miss key elements of their stories. Plus they miss some fascinating science. This panel will explore some of the best stories from the physical side of life - and maybe even a little math! - and how to report them well.

Producer/moderator

• Erin Kapp, University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)

Panelists

• Alexandra Witze, Science News (USA)
• Sean Carroll, California Institute of Technology (USA)
• Raymond Laflamme, University of Waterloo; Perimeter Institute (Canada)

The Ethical Compass: North, South, and Other Directions

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

This panel will explore the many ethical issues facing science reporters today, including not only those problems unique to the South and to the North, but, in increasingly interconnected news environment, challenges that cross national and regional boundaries. The goal is to produce the basis for post-conference action on the topic.

Producers

• Wolfgang Goede, P. M. Magazine (Germany)
• James Cornell, International Science Writers Association (USA)

Moderator

• Kathryn O'Hara, Carleton University (Canada)

Panelists

• Pallava Bagla, Science Magazine; New Delhi Television (India)
• Cristine Russell, Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (USA)
• Wolfgang Goede, P. M. Magazine (Germany)

Discussants

• David Dickson, SciDev.Net (UK)
• Jean-Marc Fleury, World Federation of Science Journalists; Laval University (Canada)
• István Palugyai, European Union of Science Journalists' Associations (Hungary)

Secret Science

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 4

Many countries have a system where scientific organizations limit contact with the media; without press services, journalists are unable to approach scientists. This panel will discuss how governments go to extraordinary ends to erect barriers and limit access to scientists and their work.

Producer

• Tatiana Pichugina, STRF.ru (Russia)

Moderator

• Phil Hilts, Knight Science Journalism Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)

Panelists

• Margaret Munro, Postmedia News (Canada)
• Richard Stone, Science (China)
• Grigory Pasko, freelance (Russia)

Science Journalism at the Frontier of Investigative Reporting

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 5

Covering science well requires the skills and determination of a good investigative reporter because scientific research is often conducted in secrecy and linked to money and power. This panel addresses that challenge by assembling some of the best investigative science journalists from different parts of the world. Drawing on their own experiences, they will share their most useful techniques and tips for tracking down the difficult story and provide examples demonstrating how these skills serve the profession.

Producer

• Veronique Morin, freelance (Canada)

Moderator

• Ivan Oransky, Reuters Health; New York University; Embargo Watch; Retraction Watch (USA)

Panelists

• Deborah Cohen, British Medical Journal (UK)
• Alex Abutu, freelance (Nigeria)
• Dan Fagin, New York University (USA)
• Fatiha Chara (Algeria)

Literary Storytelling

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

There's science writing and then there's writing with style, voice, attitude--poetry even. This session will explore the ways that a good story becomes a compelling one, an ordinary story becomes an addictive read.

Producer/moderator

• Alok Jha, The Guardian (UK)

Panelists

• David Dobbs, author (USA)
• Jo Marchant, author (UK)
• George Zarkadakis, author (Greece)

Capacity-Building Workshop for African Press Officers I

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 8 - Level 1

This workshop will utilise the expertise of top press officers and journalists to offer practical approaches, advice and case histories, specifically tailored to the African situation that will enable participants to:

• persuade research directors and scientists of the value of the media to their research organization
• recognize a newsworthy development at their institute
• provide journalists with what they need to cover a story (press releases, interviews, images etc)
• build effective relationships with journalists
• effectively use the media to disseminate research findings

This workshop will run continuously from 9:00-17:00.

Producer

• Elspeth Bartlet, Green Ink (UK)

Moderator

• Melanie Hueser, SciDev.Net (UK)

Panelists

• Charles Wendo, Saturday Vision (Uganda)
• Joseph Warungu, BBC World Service, Africa (UK)
• Alaa I Ibrahim, American University in Cairo (Egypt)
• Justa Wawira, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (Kenya)
• Ruth Francis, Nature Publishing Group (UK)
• Oumy Khaïry Ndiaye, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP/EU CTA (Senegal)
• Mike Shanahan, International Institute for Environment and Development (UK)
• Jamie Guth, WHO/TDR (Switzerland)

Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 - A Roadmap for Energy Technology

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

The Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI) was established to help bring science to bear on the most difficult problems facing our world. In June 2011, 41 scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and future leaders from around the world came together to explore how science and technology might serve as a catalyst for transforming the ways we generate, distribute and store electricity. This session will explore the outcomes of the Summit - what paths forward are the most promising? What technologies can catalyze change on a global scale? How can we address the needs of the billions of people who live in towns and villages that lack adequate access to electricity? What can we learn from a scientific, collaborative and multi-generational approach to one of humanity's greatest challenges?

Producers/moderators

• Julie Wright, WGSI (Canada)
• Wilson da Silva, COSMOS (Australia)

About the Sponsor

Founded in 2009, the non-profit Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI) is a partnership between Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the University of Waterloo. WGSI aims to present a highly focused international conference that can advance dialogue and catalyze the long-range thinking necessary to drive the scientific and technological solutions that will benefit us in the future. Historically, scientific discoveries have been the greatest single factor leading to health, prosperity and the advancement of our civilization. Scientific and technological advances will be critical to successfully navigating future challenges related to energy, water, food, and health. The solutions to these complex problems will define our global civilization's progress over the next century.

Arab Food Security: From Science to Sustainable Agriculture

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

More than half of the food consumption needs of the Arab World are satisfied through imports. Consequently, the region is most vulnerable to price fluctuations and the potential socio-economic impacts on its already relatively low agricultural production and productivity levels. Increase in the region's own food production is constrained by many factors, including limited arable land, water scarcity and climate change. Science and technology offer crucial opportunities to boost Arab agriculture on sustainable bases. This lunch time session will focus on agricultural research priorities in the region and how best to disseminate scientific results so that findings can benefit millions of smallholders. IFAD and its regional and country partners (such as the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas and Egypt's West Noubaria Rural Development Project) work on transferring knowledge, research outputs and appropriate technologies to smallholder food producers across the region. Based on their combined field experiences, the event will highlight workable solutions and enabling policies that would help increase agricultural productivity through improved technology.

Producer

• Taysir Al-Ghanem, IFAD (UN)

Moderator

• Nadim Khouri, IFAD (UN)

Panelists

• Mahmoud El-Solh, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (Syria)
• Awad Hussein, West Noubaria Rural Development Project (Egypt)

About the Sponsor

IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized UN agency based in Rome - the United Nation's food and agricultural hub. It is a unique partnership of 166 members from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), other developing countries and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). IFAD works with poor rural people to enable them to grow and sell more food, increase their incomes and determine the direction of their own lives. Since 1978, IFAD has invested over US$12.5 billion in grants and low-interest loans to developing countries, empowering more than 370 million people to break out of poverty.

Shaping a Better Future for Our Region: The American University in Cairo Perspective

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

In the world of the 21st century, universities are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming societies and nations, and promoting the knowledge and innovation culture through education, research, and community outreach. This session will outline ongoing and future projects as well as the strategic vision of the American University in Cairo to shaping a better future for Egypt and the Arab world.

Speakers

• Medhat Haroun, The American University in Cairo (Egypt)
• Alaa Ibrahim, The American University in Cairo (Egypt)

About the Sponsor

Founded in 1919, the American University in Cairo (AUC) is the region's premier English-language university — an essential contributor to the social, political and cultural life of the Arab world. AUC serves as a crossroads for the world's cultures: a vital, vibrant forum for reasoned argument, spirited debate and understanding across cultures. The university is committed to teaching and research of the highest caliber, and offers exceptional liberal arts and professional education in a cross-cultural environment. AUC offers a vital bridge between the cultures of East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the United States and the rest of the world through scholarly research, study-abroad programs and partnerships with academic and research institutions. AUC builds a culture of leadership, lifelong learning, continuing education and service among its graduates and is dedicated to making significant contributions to Egypt, the Arab world, and the international community in diverse fields. Chartered and accredited in the United States and Egypt, AUC is an independent, not-for-profit, equal-opportunity institution. AUC upholds the principles of academic freedom and is dedicated to excellence. AUC faculty and students share a common vision to improve Egypt, the Middle East and the contemporary world through its community-based learning courses, community service clubs and research centers. AUC's nearly 5,000 undergraduates come from every corner of Egypt and from 113 countries around the world. As they graduate, they join a worldwide network of more than 30,000 AUC alumni, who are leaders in finance and commerce, law and engineering, politics and culture, community service and computer science.

Applied Computing Research in Qatar: Grand Challenges, Projects, and Outcomes

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 4

A panel of scientists from four centers within QCRI--Arabic language technologies, social computing, data analytics, and cloud computing--will present brief overviews of the grand challenges they are tackling, the research projects they have undertaken, and some of the outcomes they have realized. A Q&A period will follow.

Speakers

• Sihem Amer-Yahia, Social Computing, QCRI (Qatar)
• Ihab Ilyas, Data Analytics, QCRI (Qatar)
• Kareem Darwish, Arabic Language Technologies, QCRI (Qatar)
• Simon Ponsford, Cloud Computing, QCRI (Qatar)

About the Sponsor

A member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Qatar Computing Research Institute conducts world-class multidisciplinary computing research that is relevant to the needs of Qatar, the wider Arab region, and the world, leveraging Qatar's unique historical, linguistic, and cultural heritage. QCRI disseminates the results of this research through community outreach and technology transfer activities.

Spotlight on Global Health

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 5

Over the past decade, the landscape of global health has changed dramatically. World leaders set themselves ambitious targets, new players like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are spending billions, and a slew of public-private partnerships is developing new drugs and vaccines--or trying to ensure that the world's poorest can afford existing ones. Yet the media pay scant attention to this burgeoning enterprise, and very few reporters look past the upbeat press releases to examine critically where and how the new money is spent. Meanwhile, the Gates foundation itself has, directly and indirectly, become a major sponsor of global health coverage, raising thorny questions about journalistic independence. In this session, three seasoned reporters will discuss the problems, pitfalls and pleasures of covering global health.

Producer/moderator

• Martin Enserink, Science (France)

Panelists

• Jon Cohen, freelance (USA)
• Maria Cheng, Associated Press (UK)
• Andrew Jack, Financial Times (UK)

The (N)ever Changing Forecast: Can We (N)ever Report Well on Climate Change?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

How to look at an old story in new ways? This panel will discuss how to cover climate change when its position in the public consciousness is in constant flux.

Producers/moderators

• Curtis Brainard, Columbia Journalism Review (USA)
• Dan Fagin, New York University (USA)

Panelists

• Hujun Li, Caijing Magazine (China)
• Joydeep Gupta, Indo-Asian News Service; Third Pole Project (India)
• Gustavo Faleiros, O Eco (Brazil)
• Imelda Abano, SciDev.net; Philippines Network of Environmental Journalists (The Philippines)

Secrets of the Stars: A Best Practices Panel on Science Blogging

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

We can all see the end product, but how do science blogs come to be? This panel provides a chance to look inside the minds of some of the biggest science bloggers out there--and to get tips on creating for a science blog of your own.

Producer

• Bora Zivkovic, A Blog Around the Clock; Scientific American (USA)

Moderator

• Moheb Costandi, Neurophilosophy (UK)

Panelists

• Ed Yong, Not Exactly Rocket Science (UK)
• Jennifer Ouellette, Cocktail Party Physics (USA)
• Mohammed Yahia, House of Wisdom (Egypt)
• Maryn McKenna, Superbug (USA)

From Ink to Electrons: Managing the Science Magazine Transition to the Digital Age

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 4

For years, magazines have struggled with balancing their traditional ink-on-paper publications with an electronic presence on the World Wide Web. More recently, a new delivery vehicle has emerged: hand-held electronic devices, such as Kindle and the iPad, which are rapidly becoming the new medium of choice for a growing number of readers. Science magazine editors face an array of technical, economic, and content challenges in adjusting to this new aspect of the communications world.

Producer/moderator

• Tom Siegfried, Science News (USA)

Panelists

• Wilson da Silva, Cosmos (Australia)
• Rosalind Reid, Harvard University (USA)
• Jennifer Bogo, Popular Mechanics (USA)
• Hepeng Jia, China Science Reporting Network (China)

Listen to This!: The Power of Sound and the Future of Radio

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

Radio is portable, accessible, intimate and powerful--and it's experiencing a renaissance throughout the world with the explosion of podcasting. But how is storytelling with sound different from print, and what skills does a science broadcaster need to build? From dramas to documentaries, comedies to short reports--using voice and sound offers unique challenges and opportunities for reporting complex science. And with the explosion of social media, radio and its audiences are well on their way to being reinvented--how? Join a panel of leading radio makers and journalists informing, challenging, engaging and seducing their audiences with sound.

Producer/moderator

• Natasha Mitchell, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia)

Panelists

• Connie St Louis, City University (UK)
• Joe Palca, National Public Radio (USA)
• Kate Arkless Gray, Audioboo (UK)
• Catherine Karong'o, 98.4 Capital FM (Kenya)

Latin America: Developing World, Developing Science, Developing Journalism

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 6

The developing world accounts for an increasing share of scientific research; Latin America now produces about 5% of the world's scientific papers. The vast region includes scientific leader Brazil, as well countries such as Guatemala and Bolivia where both science and science journalism are only beginning to emerge. The growth of regional R&D spending and the emergence of issues such as biofuels, biodiversity and forests has increased demands on science journalists and now requires a more critical approach: science journalism that speaks on its own terms, not those of scientists. The panel will explore professional issues facing developing-world science reporters: how to draw attention to regional science, lack of full-time jobs, conflicts of interest, junket-journalism, obstacles to professional associations, and the relationship with power.

Producer/moderator

• Antonio Regalado, Science Magazine (Brazil)

Panelists

• Mariluce Moura, Pesquisa FAPESP (Brazil)
• Nicolas Luco, Archipec (Chile)
• Luisa Massarani, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation; SciDev.Net (Brazil)
• Pere Estupinya, Knight Science Journalism Tracker (Spain)
• Valeria Roman, Clarin (Argentina)

Capacity-Building Workshop for African Press Officers II

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 8 - Level 1

This workshop will utilise the expertise of top press officers and journalists to offer practical approaches, advice and case histories, specifically tailored to the African situation that will enable participants to:

• persuade research directors and scientists of the value of the media to their research organization
• recognize a newsworthy development at their institute
• provide journalists with what they need to cover a story (press releases, interviews, images etc)
• build effective relationships with journalists
• effectively use the media to disseminate research findings

This workshop will run continuously from 9:00-17:00.

Producer

• Elspeth Bartlet, Green Ink (UK)

Moderator

• Melanie Hueser, SciDev.Net (UK)

Panelists

• Charles Wendo, Saturday Vision (Uganda)
• Joseph Warungu, BBC World Service, Africa (UK)
• Alaa I Ibrahim, American University in Cairo (Egypt)
• Justa Wawira, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (Kenya)
• Ruth Francis, Nature Publishing Group (UK)
• Oumy Khaïry Ndiaye, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP/EU CTA (Senegal)
• Mike Shanahan, International Institute for Environment and Development (UK)
• Jamie Guth, WHO/TDR (Switzerland)

15:45-16:15: coffee break, Exhibition Area

16:30-18:00: afternoon plenary

Science as a Force for Change: Africa

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

This panel will discuss the major problems facing Africa today and how science and science journalism might enable Africans to address and resolve those problems from within.

Producer

• Lisa Lambert, Perimeter Institute (Canada)

Moderator

• Diran Onifade, Nigerian Television Authority (Nigeria)

Panelists

• Barry Green, AIMS-South Africa (South Africa)
• Suzanne Corbeil, Perimeter Institute (Canada)
• Ochieng' Ogodo, SciDev.Net (Kenya)

19:00-21:45: Siemens Profile Awards 2011, Sheraton Hotel

Sponsored by Siemens

In 2000, Siemens Southern Africa launched a Pan- African journalism awards initiative under the banner of the Siemens Profile Awards. The primary objective was to recognize and reward writers and broadcasters who effectively report on science and technology in order to demystify vitally important subjects relevant to the lives of Africans.

Since the launch, the Profile Awards has gained impressive momentum and continues to rally support from key stakeholders in the media and the science and technology sector. The Profile Awards are supported by the South African Science and Technology, which believes recognizing Science journalists encourages excellence in reporting and ensures that important subject matter becomes mainstream.

This year's event will feature a keynote address by South Africa's Minister of Science and Technology Ms Naledi Pandor, who is also the patron of the program. The event will honor the winners from eight rigorously adjudicated categories and also provide an opportunity to increase their networks and enhance knowledge in these fields.

9:00-9:30: Keynote lecture

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

Fahad Al-Attiya

Chairman, Qatar National Food Security Programme

9:30-11:00: Morning plenary

One Gas Pipeline, Seven Versions of Reality: Framing in Journalism

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

This session will look at issues of global relevance in science journalism using as a case the Nord Stream pipeline project across the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. The focus will be on the concept of framing stories and setting the agenda. The Nord Stream project is a metaphor for a very complex and controversial issue and the purpose here is to explore different views and attitudes towards the project in countries around the Baltic Sea and on the European continent and the way science journalists respond to these different realities.

Producer

• Vesa Niinikangas, Finnish Association of Science Editors and Journalists (Finland)

Moderator

• Barbara Drillsma, European Union of Science Journalists' Associations (UK)

Panelists

• Janne Hukkinen, University of Helsinki (Finland)
• Marzenna Nowakowska, MWN Media (Poland)
• Helena Raunio, Tekniika and Talous (Finland)
• Kaianders Sempler, Ny Teknik (Sweden)

11:00-11:30 coffee break, Exhibition Area

11:30-12:30: Joint Reception for EUSJA and FASEJ

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Exhibition Area

The European Union of Science Journalists' Associations EUSJA and the Finnish Association of Science Editors and Journalists FASEJ invite all journalists for a reception on the occasion of EUSJA's 40th anniversary and FASEJ's bid for the WCSJ 2013 in Finland. This is also an opportunity to exchange views and opinions on how European science journalists can contribute to the further advancement of global science journalism.

How to Read Medical Studies (and Avoid Pitfalls)

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 7

One week, everything causes cancer. The next week, everything prevents it. One study says heart disease drugs extend lives; another says they're linked to deaths. What is a medical reporter to do? An unvaried diet of health care/medical research news from journals or from scientific meetings may be an unhealthy journalistic diet, for reasons that will be explained in this session. But when you must cover such stories, you may need a roadmap to avoid the pitfalls and the spin generated by enthusiastic research teams and their industry or academic medical center supporters. The writer and editor of a new Association of Health Care Journalists guide on how to evaluate medical research studies will cover topics such as: absolute vs. relative risks, the statistical method that explains the number needed to treat (or to screen, or to harm), the limitations of observational studies, the strengths and weaknesses of peer review, the enigma of embargoes and other key topics. While intended primarily for people who haven't been given any training on how to report on studies, this session will offer tips for journalists of all skill and experience levels.

Producers/presenters

• Ivan Oransky, Reuters Health; New York University; Embargo Watch; Retraction Watch (USA)
• Hans van Maanen, freelance (The Netherlands)

Can You Hear Me Now? Writing for a Non-English Audience

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

The language of science is English, but billions around the world would like to read about it in their own language. While some science publications and programs in local languages have generated a huge audience base, they fail to garner respect from the public and private sectors. Why do scientists and science policymakers prefer to speak to journalists from English language publications rather than ones reporting in their local languages? And can the language barrier truly be overcome, especially with tricky scientific terms, to deliver a precise and accurate story? The panelists will discuss the challenges they face reporting in their respective local languages and overcoming them to deliver great stories to a community hungry for science in their native languages.

Producer/moderator

• Mohammed Yahia, Nature Middle East (Egypt)

Panelists

• Aleem Ahmed, Global Science (Pakistan)
• Elsabe Brits, Die Burger (South Africa)
• Bothaina Osama, SciDev.net (Egypt)

Dragon's Den: Stories from the Field to the Front Page

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 4

Pitching a story to a journalist is no small task. No matter how groundbreaking the research, it still takes a lot of ingenuity and inspiration to turn science into headlines. Enter the Dragon's Den, where researchers funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) will pitch their story ideas to a panel of internationally renowned journalists who know exactly what it takes to take a story from the field to the front page.

In a format inspired by Canada and the UK's Dragon's Den program, the American Shark Tank, Lebanon's Al Aareen, and Saudi Arabia's Altujar, IDRC-supported researchers from across the Middle East will attempt to convince 'Dragons' from Al Jazeera, SciDev.Net, and Canadian Press to cover stories ranging from the impact of digital activism on women's rights in Egypt; to how water-scarce Jordan and Lebanon are confronting the politics of equitable access to water and crumbling sanitation infrastructure; to empowering ordinary Egyptians in developing the survivability of coastal communities faced with rising sea levels in the Nile Delta.

Producers

• Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé, International Development Research Centre
• Pauline Dole, International Development Research Centre

Moderator

• Guy Jobbins, International Development Research Centre (Egypt)

Dragons

• David Dickson, SciDev.Net (UK)
• Imad Musa, AlJazeera English (Qatar)
• Dalia Abdel-Salam, Al Ahram Hebdo Newspaper (Egypt)

Panelists

• Rebecca Chiao, Harrassmap, INJAZ Egypt (Egypt)
• Mutasem El Fadel, American University of Beirut (Lebanon)
• Mohamed Abdrabo, Alexandria's Institute of Graduate Studies (Egypt)

Journalism in the Age of Denial

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

Denialism has been defined as "choosing to deny reality as a way to avoid an uncomfortable truth..." While global climate change is the latest target, anti-science attacks have occurred on a variety of fronts, including childhood vaccines, evolution, genetically modified foods, HIV/AIDS and smoking. What is the history of attempts to mislead the public about scientific evidence? Is denialism growing around the globe, and are there common underlying causes in different cultures involving political beliefs, economics, religion, education, and human nature itself? What clues does the science of human behavior have as to how and why individuals make decisions? What challenges does denialism pose-to mass media in general, and to science journalists in particular-in communicating controversial scientific issues to the public?

Producer/moderator

• Cristine Russell, Council for the Advancement of Science Writing; Harvard Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (USA)

Panelists

• Shankar Vedantam, National Public Radio; author (USA)
• Debora MacKenzie, New Scientist (Belgium)
• Philip Hilts, MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowships (USA)
• Yves Sciama, freelance (France)

Covering Japan's Nuclear Crisis: Do Science Media Centres Contribute to Sense or Promote Spin?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 6

Debate rages in the blogopshere on the coverage of Japan. And role of the SMCs, as providers of science information, is under scrutiny.

The Science Media Centre model started in the UK 8 years ago. Now there are SMCs in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and soon, in Denmark. Set up to help journalists cover science when it hits the headlines, the SMCs were at the forefront as the media covered the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear reactor crisis.

But did they in fact manipulate the media by only putting forward "pro"-nuclear scientists - scientists who repeated phrases like "negligible" and "many orders of magnitude below" to an increasingly nervous public? Is there a tendency for some scientists to underplay their concerns for fear of being tagged "anti-nuclear"? Did editors ultimately go with the most alarming narrative because the nuclear scientists were presumed to be 'playing down' the threat? What role did the SMCs play in putting forward accurate information the public needed to hear? Ultimately, did the SMCs help or hinder the journalists?

Producer

• Penny Park, Science Media Centre of Canada (Canada)

Moderator

• Veronique Morin, freelance (Canada)

Panelists

• Fiona Fox, SMC UK (UK)
• Susannah Eliott, Australia SMC (Australia)
• Penny Park, SMCC (Canada)
• Motoko Kakubayashi, SMC Japan (Japan)
• Hajime Hikino, Japanese Association of Science and Technology Journalists (Japan)

Making Fun of Science?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

The more eccentric a study, the greater its chance to get published in a newspaper or being aired on TV. The main reason for this development probably is the immediate attention such stories guarantee through their unintended humor. Is this good or bad? What is the place of humor in science communication in general? Is there a role for stories about strange and possibly unimportant experiments in educating the general public about science? Does the greater number of people that can be attracted justify the distorted image of science those stories sometimes produce? This panel will explore these questions and more en route to determining: may, should, or must we make fun of science? And if so: how and to what effect?

Producers

• Reto Schneider, NZZ Folio (Switzerland)
• Marc Abrahams, Annals of Improbable Research (USA)

Moderator

• Reto Schneider, NZZ Folio (Switzerland)

Panelists

• Jennifer Ouellette, author (USA)
• Marc Abrahams, Annals of Improbable Research (USA)

PR and Journalism: A Conversation About Collaboration

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 5

An interactive discussion among participants and the panelists exploring the relationship between science journalists and PR professionals. Leading science journalists and PR directors from the scientific community will facilitate a discussion about the needs of both sides and how to improve collaboration.

Producer

• Qatar Foundation (Qatar)

From Tahrir to Taamir: Building a Networked Society for Democratic Governance

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

The Internet, mobile phones and social media played a pivotal role in the recent uprisings in the Arab world. Political and social changes are still at an early stage, but it is time to consider the role of those technologies in building new institutions, reforming policies and, especially, establishing a new relationship among citizens, political movements and governments.

Speaker

• Adel El Zaim, Senior Program Specialist, IDRC (Egypt)

About the Sponsor

IDRC supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. IDRC also encourages sharing this knowledge with policymakers, other researchers, and communities around the world. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that aim to bring choice and change to those who need it most.

Two Ambitious Activities - Good Science Communication and Collaborative Research with Developing Countries

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

Japan, as a country lacking in natural resources, aims to realize a nation based on scientific and technological creativity. Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) is one of the central institutions which implement the science and technology policy of Japan. JST makes best efforts to create innovation and tackle with various challenges through its activities such as "Creating advanced technology," "Promoting technology transfer and innovation," "Promoting dissemination of scientific and technological information," "Promoting science communication," and "Promoting international research cooperation." At this lunch session, we will introduce ourselves by especially focusing on our two ambitious activities for promoting good science communication and collaborative research with developing countries.

Speaker

• Akira Takamatsu, Japan Science and Technology Agency (Japan)

About the Sponsor

Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) is an independent administrative agency. With its budget of about $1.4 billion, JST implements the Science and Technology Basic Plan of the government of Japan, comprehensively supporting the entire innovation process from the creation of knowledge to the practical application of research achievements in society. In addition, JST promotes science literacy and communication to enhance mutual understanding between scientists and the general public.

Technology of Tomorrow Used Today

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

Learning from the past technology and implementing the latest technology for economic and human development are the key messages behind the session. Understanding how one technology can be versatile enough to be used in healthcare, competitive sports, industrial and aviation safety can be achieved thanks to the ICT Platform, RASAD. On the other hand, Loghati will spread the Arabic cultural heritage by means of the modern web-internet technologies. "Loghati" platform is a communication system that promotes information exchange between people in all forms. Also within the QSTP walls, an integrated approach with local stakeholders and international experts aims to transform Qatar into a hub for robotic surgery. The session will include a brief description of each of the projects by focusing on how they benefit Qatar and the region. The Moderator, Dr. Lucio Rispo, will then ask provocative questions about the projects to pave the way for more curious minds to find the answers to their inquiries about technology development in ICT.

Moderator

• Lucio Rispo, QSTP (Qatar)

Speakers

• Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifa, QF Strategic Research Board, Al-Ahli (Qatar)
• Justin Grantham, Aspetar (Qatar)
• Aisha Al-Obaidly, QSTP (Qatar)
• Abdulla Al-Naimi, QSTP (Qatar)
• Ghalya Al-Thani, QSTP (Qatar)
• Julien Abi-Nahed, QRSC (Qatar)

About the Sponsor

Qatar Science & Technology Park is the national agency charged with executing applied research and delivering commercialised technologies in four themed areas, Energy, Environment, Health Sciences and Information & Communication Technologies. QSTP is located in Qatar Foundation's Education City and has access to the resources of its cluster of leading research universities. In addition to QSTP's centres, members include small companies, international corporations and research institutions, which have together committed to funding new ventures, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills and developing innovative new products in line with the national vision. QSTP supports economic and human development in Qatar and has achieved recognition as an international hub for applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Disaster Reporting: Lessons from Japan

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 2

For journalists, the recent series of multiplying series of disasters in Japan this year--massive earthquake, tsunami, and badly damaged nuclear power plants--posed unique challenges in telling the story both right and respectfully. Science reporters were asked to interpret ever changing radiation risks, explain seismology, and help readers, viewers and listeners maintain perspective on a situation that seemed to evolve daily . In this session, journalists on the frontlines of reporting on the catastrophic events will offer lessons gained from handling the challenges as well as insights into the crucial role of science writers in helping the public to understand and respond to such crises.

Producer/moderator

• Ginger Pinholster, AAAS (USA)

Panelists

• Henry Fountain, The New York Times (USA)
• Joe Palca, NPR (USA)
• Hajime Hikino, Japanese Association of Science and Technology Journalists (Japan)
• Naila Hamdy, American University in Cairo (Egypt)

Discussant

• Curtis Brainard, Columbia Journalism Review (USA)

Betting the Farm: The Power of Agricultural Journalism

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 4

Agricultural reporting, at least in the North, has long been under-covered or ignored. But new discoveries-and increasing pressure on food supplies-may make this one of the most critical of all areas of scientific coverage. What do we know and how do we stay ahead of emerging trends?

Producer/moderator

• Maryn McKenna, author (USA)

Panelists

• Patrick Luganda, Farmers Media Link; Network for Climate Journalists in the Greater Horn of Africa (Uganda)
• Jaideep Hardikar, The Telegraph (India)
• Juhie Bhatia, Women's eNews; Global Voices Online (USA)
• Nadim Khouri, International Fund for Agricultural Development (Lebanon)

Reaching Younger Audiences

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 3

Young people consume news differently than older generations. They are used to a scrappy information flow and the rules of the web where news and opinion carry the same weight. Traditional media are changing a lot, too, creating web sites, trying to be more interactive and looking for new ways of engage young audiences. But simply moving your news online will not suffice. Where exactly is the situation moving? How can we reach the modern youth with our science stories? What do they want out of a science story, and where do they want to find it? Why do we see a globally reported lack of engagement with science among young people? Two academics and three practitioners, each representing one of the three big media--print, television and internet--will discuss these questions together with the audience.

Producers/moderators

• Karina Nazaretyan, Akzia Newspaper (Russia)
• Frank Nuijens, Delta; Delft Outlook; World Federation of Science Journalists (The Netherlands)

Panelists

• Robert Barnard, DECODE (Canada)
• Alison Binney, New Science Journalism Project (Australia)
• Philippe Bijvoet, VRT (Flemish Radio and Television) (Belgium)
• Alice Bell, Imperial College London (UK)

What Do Editors Want? How to Continue Selling Your Work in a Changing Industry

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 1

Journalism and the publications that support it have undergone convulsive change in recent years, with major ramifications for science writers' ability to sell their work. As many publications' formats, budgets, readerships and competitive positions have evolved, so have the needs of the editors who put them out. In this session, a panel of high-profile editors will discuss what has changed and what has stayed the same at their publications. They will also offer guidance to writers on what they will be buying in the months and years ahead and how writers can best adapt to meet the needs of the changing market for science writing. A discussion period will allow writers to question the editors about their own concerns.

Producer/moderator

• Beryl Lieff Benderly, Science Careers; freelance (USA)

Panelists

• Estrella Burgos, ¿Como ves? (Mexico)
• Mariette DiChristina, Scientific American (USA)
• Wilson da Silva, COSMOS (Australia)
• Wolfgang Goede, P. M. Magazine (Germany)

Four Science Journalists Who Changed the World

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 5

The panel will consist of four journalists who have tackled tough issues and have made a difference. These journalists can be an inspiration and role models for fellow science journalists as well as providing information on how to conduct an influential investigation.

Producer

• Jean-Marc Fleury, World Federation of Science Journalists; Laval University (Canada)

Moderator

• Deborah Blum, freelance (USA)

Panelists

• Nicolas Luco, El Mercurio (Chile)
• Pallava Bagla, NDTV (India)
• Raghida Haddad, Al-Bia Wal-Tanmia (Lebanon)
• Dominique Leglu, Sciences-et-Avenir (France)

Who Speaks For Science?

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 6

As the media landscape changes and the lines blur between traditional journalism and other forms of communication, new questions of credibility and trust arise. Who speaks for science today? Are scientists and scientific institutions likely to turn away from more traditional media? How do we evaluate the credibility of these new sources of information? Who is funding these new voices of science? What is the role of scientists and science organizations in political or policy advocacy? This panel will explore these challenges in our new media world.

Producer

• Sallie Robins, srPR (UK)

Moderator

• Ananyo Bhattacharya, Nature (UK)

Panelists

• Fiona Fox, Science Media Centre (UK)
• Waleed Al-Shobakky, freelance (Qatar)
• Peggy Girshman, Kaiser Health News (USA)

Challenges for Science Journalism in Sub-Saharan Africa

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Breakout 7

An interactive panel session with science journalists from sub Saharan Africa, covering trends of reporting science, what topics are reported and ignored, what are the ethical issues, is networking possible, success stories, and opportunities--and what might lie in the future.

Producer/moderator

• Esther Nakkazi, freelance (Uganda)

Panelists

• Ochieng' Ogodo, SciDev.Net (Kenya)
• Twange Kasoma, Emory & Henry College (Zambia/USA)
• Laeed Zaghlami, Algiers University (Algeria)
• Christophe Mvondo, La Nouvelle Expression; SciLife (Cameroon)
• Otulah Owuor, ScienceAfrica (Kenya)

15:45-16:15: coffee break, Exhibition Area

16:30-18:00: closing plenary

Journalism and Democracy in the Arab World

Qatar Foundation Student Center, Plenary Room

Since the start of 2011, the revolution sweeping the Arab region, the courageous movement toward democracy, has transfixed the rest of the world. Starting in Tunisia, then Egypt, the democratic movement has swept across the region and citizens of numerous Arab countries have joined in challenging existing governments, even putting their own lives on the line to achieve greater freedom. Many science journalists participated in this revolutionary movement and the closing session of the World Conference of Science Journalists 2011 pays tribute to their role in helping to change the world.

Producer

• Deborah Blum, University of Wisconsin-Madison; author (USA)

Moderator

• Jean-Marc Fleury, World Federation of Science Journalists; Laval University (Canada)

Panelists

• Olfa Labassi, World Federation of Science Journalists (Canada)
• Nadia El-Awady, World Federation of Science Journalists (Egypt)
• Mohammed Yahia, Nature Middle East (Egypt)
• Rafik Ouerchefani, Webdo.tn (Tunisia)
• Musa Elkheir, Sudanese Environment Conservation Society English Service FM 98 (Sudan)
• Ezzeddine Abdelmoula, Al Jazeera Center for Studies (Qatar)

18:00-18:30 - Closing Ceremony