Who we are

Who we are

We are an association for media professionals who cover science, medicine, environment, mathematics, engineering and technology.

Our beliefs

Mission 

We champion independence and excellence in the reporting of science, medicine, engineering and technology.

Vision

For science and technology to truly benefit society, they need to be clearly communicated but they also need to be held accountable.

We want to help build a society that encourages and values open, independent, objective and fair assessment of science and its role in society, and rewards diversity, originality and flair in reporting.

We need both explanatory and investigative journalists who are free to report clearly, accurately and to the highest professional standards: journalists who are independent, honest and unbiased, and who are not afraid to challenge the information they are given. We strive to help create  a world where this is the norm: where media professionals are free to responsibly and critically report on any aspect of science, to do so openly and safely, and to be paid fairly for their work.

What we do

Founded in 1947, the ABSW has provided science journalists at all career stages with networking, training and professional development opportunities for nearly 75 years.

Through our programme of events we bring science journalists together to debate, learn and network; our busy 2020 events calendar includes the three-day UK Conference of Science Journalists, as well as fortnightly webinars and discussion groups.

We recognise, celebrate and reward excellence in science writing and journalism through our annual awards. 

We also speak out on behalf of science journalists in support of press and academic freedoms.

How we are run

ABSW is a company limited by guarantee. It is managed by an Executive Committee of up to ten elected members and up to four co-opted members. The Honorary President is Roger Highfield, Science Director, Science Museum.