Workshop on Science Communication - Effective Communication in Biotechnology for Journalists

30 July 2007
Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI), Universiti Sabah Malaysia

A number of workshops for members of the media are organized yearly by MABIC in West Malaysia. In our efforts to reach out to more journalists, this time round MABIC is organizing a media workshop with the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) at Universiti Sabah Malaysia.

Members of the media often shy away from technical issues such as biotechnology as news revolving around this field does not have much salient points. The other reason is journalists often find it difficult to communicate with scientists to gather information. Distorted scientific information and data is a common scene. Often we see controversial issues are overplayed and sensationalized. In order to create a well-informed community of journalists, MABIC continues to engage them in active discussions through workshops.

This workshop will see two prominent science communicators from Science in Public, a leading communication consultancy in Australia. The Directors of Science in Public, Niall Byrne and Sarah Brooker believe that science should be brought out of the laboratory and discussed, debated and criticized in the public. They also believe that no one’s work is too complex for laypersons to understand.

Niall Byrne and Sarah Brooker will be conducting the workshop.

Journalists and science communicators are invited to attend this workshop. Admission is free.