1. Final Conference Project Assessment28 January 2011 Howard Hudson, Editor, European Journalism Centre

2. LABS recruitment Across 3 rounds, RELATE expanded from 3 to 12 institutes: a 4-fold increase in 18 months. Clear ability to attract other laboratories Confirmed as a “a potentially self-sustainable initiative”.

3. Quality of new institutes Very high. Two examples: i) European Southern Observatory (Germany): “world's most productive astronomical observatory; foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe ” ii) INRA (France) “number one agricultural institute in Europe and number two in the world”

4. Participants Over 78 participants from 23 countries, writing in 17 languages From West Europe: 45 (58%) From East / Southeast Europe: 33 (42%). Over 50% were female 100% of participants were placed at labs in foreign countries Just 2 dropped out (due to visa problems).

5. Quality of work? Publishable? Over 1/4 of participants published their work in specialist or mainstream media, including: The Economist (Tiffany Stecker) Cosmos (MicoTatalovic) Robotics (Jana Witt) Major news websites in Romania (AndradaFiscutean) and Lithuania (ViktorijaRinkeviciute).

6. Quality of work? Publishable? Some published conference reviews on websites of national associations of science writers, e.g. in Spain (InmaLuque Galan) and Great Britain (MicoTatalovic). Others used the ‘New Science Journalism’ project, a global online community which helps young science reporters to launch their careers.

7. Approaches and platforms Most participants wrote articles, mainly for publishing online But about 10% produced video and audio reports Demonstrates the adaptability and technical skill of project participants

8. Skills and opportunities As the 2 winners show, young reporters are capable of publishing not only one but also two or even three articles Despite the general crisis in the economy and industry over the last few years. Entrepreneurialism, persistence, and networking are now key to journalism training, given the fluidity of the market

9. Training assessment EJC’s open assessment provides a detailed qualitative analysis Participants’ remarks focus i) on the study tours and ii) the wider relationship between science and journalism. First-hand insights, available on a public websiteare useful for future projects

10. Training assessment Majority of participants gave very positive appraisals of the study tours Many acknowledged the clear gap between scientists and journalists in terms of language, approach and interpretation.

11. Training assessment Many commented on the benefits of ‘dual track’ networking, with both researchers and other reporters from across Europe. Positive remarks also given on the logistics and guidance HOWEVER…

12. Training assessment At least 2 participants (Frederiksen and Tatalovic) noted a structural problem: the need for greater journalistic support on-site They wanted a more balanced approach A one-hour briefing by either EJC or Minerva could never balance with 5 days under the host labs’ rules

13. Final assessment Although EJC made 10 trips and briefings – they were not enough for some participants Although training materials were sent 2 weeks before leaving (journalism ethics, research and pitching guides) – they were not enough for some participants Although core labs had media professionals -- there was a perceived lack of balance between scientific and journalism aspects

14. Final assessment Current project performance: adequate Most participants understood the need to be entrepreneurial But the balance ‘gap’ became wider as the project grew from 3 to 12 locations To improve: need more journalistic support on-site Specific recommendations? >>>

15. Recommendations Allocate sufficient human and financial resources to enable professional journalists / trainers to guide participants throughout the study tours. Formally integrate the European Journalism Training Association, to work alongside the European Journalism Centre

16. Future of science journalism? See EJC Magazine: www.ejc.net Science PR: Putting journalists out of the picture (5 July 2010) MYScience meets RELATE: Future-proofing science journalism? (31 May 2010) RELATE visual summary: with links to published articles and press review

17. Thank you for listening! Howard Hudson Editor, European Journalism Centre (2009-10) Editor and Communications Coordinator, United Nations University-MERIT (2011-) howardrhudson@gmail.com