CASW debuts Connector, a resource library for science journalism and communication
Science journalists and science communicators have a new “one-stop shop” for finding online resources. The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing is proud to announce the launch of CASW Connector, an online, curated library of resources. The resource library was developed with support from Schmidt Futures and the Rita Allen Foundation.
Connector (https://connector.casw.org) helps both aspiring and practicing science writers find organizations and institutions that provide a broad range of crucial resources, including the following:
- training
- best-practices guides
- conferences
- fellowships
- career advice
- networking and professional development opportunities
- and places to publish works of science writing.
The database will be continually updated in response to input from readers and partner organizations, providing vital support for excellence in the interpretation of science for the public.
“CASW’s mission—improving the quality and quantity of science news reaching the public—focuses us on finding ways to make sure everyone concerned about how science is interpreted has access to resources that support excellence,” said Rosalind Reid, CASW executive director. “Connector will ensure they have that.”
Connector is designed to aid journalists, students, scientists, communicators, and educators seeking professional resources such as membership associations worldwide, academic training programs, grants and fellowships, conferences and workshops, and sites such as The Open Notebook, a rich online source of training and educational materials for journalists who cover science. Connector offers a newsletter and plans to organize webinars to help science writers and communicators learn about new relevant resources and to spark conversations about excellence in science writing and communication.
“I could not be more excited about the launch of CASW’s Connector. The resource library will no doubt prove essential to incoming science writers and communicators while also helping to advance the careers of experienced professionals in our field,” said CASW President Robin Lloyd. “We are grateful that Schmidt Futures and the Rita Allen Foundation have generously supported this effort.”
Connector grew out of conversations in 2022 between CASW and Schmidt Futures. Initially, former National Public Radio science correspondent Joe Palca spent months putting together a database of quality resources for science communication. After Palca identified and assembled the core set of resources, CASW recruited two leading science writer-editors, Kate Travis and Betsy Ladyzhets, to gather input from prospective users and create a website that could be continually expanded and updated.
Travis, former digital director at Science News, served as project manager for the design and launch of the site and will be Connector’s managing editor. Ladyzhets, an independent science, health, and data journalist, is community manager for the site and will serve as managing editor of CASW Showcase (https://showcase.casw.org), a curated collection of exceptional science writing that will be refreshed and updated as part of the project.
CASW invites those who’d like to make suggestions, share a resource, or offer feedback on Connector to write to connector@casw.org or click the “Suggest a Resource” button on the Connector website. Subscribe to the Connector newsletter at https://connector.casw.org/newsletter.
